An Ontario-based international language school is looking for host families in Centre Wellington for 11 students from Japan.
Muskoka Language International (MLI) has recently started working with the Upper Grand District School Board to bring international students to the area.
“We’re really just trying to spread the word about our company and sort of what we do; our students, our need for host families and it’s just great to have the word out there so that people can contact us if they’re interested,” MLI homestay administrator Hannah Luke told the Advertiser.
The program brings students from large international centres to small towns in Canada to go to school. All of the students coming to Fergus this year are from Japan.
All 11 students coming to Centre Wellington District High School are females between 15 and 17 years of age and know some English.
“Most of them have been studying for at least five years…” Luke said. “So all of our students come and they are able to comprehend basic conversations.”
However, the students are looking to improve their English further and living with a host family encourages the her to practice English rather than speaking in her mother tongue to her peers.
Host families are asked to integrate the student into their family as much as possible.
“One of the great things about the program … especially for families with children who maybe don’t have time to travel at this point in their lives, it’s a great way to bring another culture into your home without really leaving your community,” Luke said.
Host families are expected to provide the student three meals a day, a private bedroom and a quiet place to study. Centre Wellington host families will be compensated $700 per month for the costs associated with the student.
The first Japanese student is scheduled to arrive in Fergus on Jan. 29 and will remain with her host family until early December. MLI is looking for a host family that is cat-free as the student has an allergy.
The other 10 students will be arriving in Fergus on March 29 and leaving June 22.
Any family within the Centre Wellington District High School boundary is eligible to be a host. MLI is working with the Upper Grand District School Board and can arrange bus transportation for the student if necessary.
For more information about the program and to inquire about becoming a host family call Hannah Luke at 416-646-5405 ext. 278 or email her at hluke@mliesl.com.
