Question 1

How are homestay families selected?

Accepted Answer

All host families are carefully chosen and screened prior to their participation in the homestay program. The host families complete a criminal check and a child abuse registry check, in home interview and application process. We are proud of our families and we take every measure to ensure our students are placed with a loving, welcoming safe family.

Question 2

What can a student expect for their homestay accommodations and meals?

Accepted Answer

The students will have their own bedroom with a desk, lamp, bed and linens provided. The student will have access to home’s wireless internet. They will receive 3 meals per day with some snacks. Host families treat students as though they are a regular family member. Students will have the same responsibilities as every other member of the family. This includes contributing to the completion of household chores and respecting the rules of the host family.

Question 3

How close will my homestay be to my school and other services?

Accepted Answer

You homestay will be located in your school’s region. If your homestay is within a 1.6 km radius of the school itself the students walk to and from school each day. If the homestay is outside of that radius school bus transportation is provided by the school board. For leisure transportation, depending on where you live in Newfoundland, public transportation may or may not be available. In the cases that it is not available, the homestay family will provide a reasonable level of transportation as any parent would for their own children.

Question 4

Who will meet students when they arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Accepted Answer

The students will be met by their NIS Homestay Coordinator and in most instances their host family who will take them to their new home.

Question 5

Will students be provided with an orientation when they arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Accepted Answer

Students participating in the NIS program are given an orientation session within the first couple weeks of their arrival. The orientation is designed for students to meet other international students in their area, to ask questions, and to learn more about the program and expectations of the students.

Question 6

Which airport should my student fly into?

Accepted Answer

Eastern Region: St. John’s International Airport - YYT. Central Region: Gander International Airport - YQX. Western Region: Deer Lake Regional Airport - YDF.

Question 7

Does the insurance provided by NIS cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance is provided by Guard.me. Information about the coverage is available at: https://www.guard.me/. Please be advised pre-existing medical conditions and treatment required in Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of pre-existing conditions are not covered by Guard.me.

Question 8

Will NIS staff assist students with their visa and study permit applications?

Accepted Answer

The NIS is not able to provide assistance for students to renew their study permits or visas under Bill C-35, a federal law. This Bill makes it illegal for anyone, other than an authorized representative, to conduct business for a fee or other consideration at any stage of an immigration application. NIS can help connect you with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Question 9

If a student needs help is it available?

Accepted Answer

Each student is assigned a NIS Homestay Coordinator that lives in their geographic region. These Coordinators are available to assist students during regular daytime hours while providing a convenient emergency contact available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A coordinator will communicate with students at least once a month to ensure they are comfortable and have all the support they need to succeed.

FAQs