Host Family Information
Thank you for seeking more information on becoming a Dream Canada International host family!
Many times people assume they do not have what it would take to be a host parent for our international students before knowing some of the basic details and requirements! Here we wanted to give a brief overview of what becoming a host family would entail, and if you or someone you know would be a good fit, please contact us!
The foundational requirements for a successful host family would be a family that models biblical living, and regularly attend church with their students. Host families are expected to provide or arrange for rides to and from school 5 days a week, provide meals for the students, and be able to provide a minimum of one bedroom that two students would share. Bunk beds/two singles are preferred, but a shared larger bed is also acceptable. A great host family includes the students in their family, and disciplines with love and grace. An up to date criminal record check must also be provided beforehand.
When hosting with Dream Canada you are never hosting a student alone. We have staff dedicated to supporting and praying for our host families and students. We have two group gatherings per semester, and regular check ins. Our students all come from a private Christian boarding school in Korea, and each group of students are from the same grade. We billet them in pairs because they are young teens that tend to get lonely. Our compensation is based on a per student premium and is competitive with other programs. This is not just a hosting opportunity but also a ministry. It is an opportunity to expose students to a deeper relationship with Jesus while improving their English. While in Canada our hope is that they discover a life removed from technology and exposed to the nature that is not available in Korea. In these ways we find an experience with us sets us apart from other exchange programs.
If you have an interest in becoming a host family, please contact Karen through the form below!
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration and for partnering with us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What school do they attend? DCI students attend school Monday to Friday at DCI’s private location with its own teaching staff. DCI is located within the Grace Church Building on McMillan Road in East Abbotsford, BC.
2. How long is the commitment? DCI runs two five-month semesters a year, by signing up, you are only committing to five months, but have the option to renew contracts for the second semester should you wish to do so. Many of DCI’s host families love to alternate and do one semester a year to give themselves a well-deserved break.
3. Do you have any shorter-term options? Yes! If you aren’t looking for full time commitment, DCI keeps a list of families just available to do respite for other families. These are homes looking to embrace students for anywhere from a night or up to several weeks when families hosting full time either need a break, or have a vacation planned which students simply cannot be factored into.
4. When is a typical intake? Our spring semester begins early/mid February and runs until early July. DCI’s fall semester begins late August and runs until early/mid January.
5. How old are the students? DCI students are always 13/14 in age, as it is the Korea gr 8 class that gets split and sent over the calendar year. Due to the offset school year from our Canadian Calendar, our fall semester age would align more with our Canadian gr 9’s.
6. Where are the students from? DCI students come from a Christian boarding school in South Korea.
7. Would we get girl or boy students? We have both girl and boy students that come with every program. Placements are made with same gender roommates. Placements in home are prioritized first based on the age and gender of any children already in the home. Secondly by prayer and request. The DCI team prays into each placement match. DCI does it’s best to make placements align with requests but may contact you to see if you would be open to an alternative gender.
8. What can we expect in terms of attitudes and behavioral problems? DCI students are lovely. It is important to remember though that they are teens and of course in the height of puberty. There are always typical mood related things that come up. DCI works very closely with all the students and host families to help resolve anything that comes up. DCI’s goal is always restoration and character improvement.
9. What are the basic expectations for hosting two students? The students typically share a bedroom, although some families with the space have chosen to offer separate rooms. A bunkbed or separate singles are ideal, but a shared queen is also acceptable in most cases. A bedroom should also have a dresser and a closet or closet like space where the students can hang some belongings. DCI prefers the students to do their homework in a common area, so a desk in their room is not recommended. Our monthly compensation is expected to cover three meals a day including snacks, and transportation to and from school 5 days a week. It should also be used to cover any reasonable family activities. Our families are expected to build relationships with our students, and love and nurture them in a Godly manner, and attend church with them regularly as we believe spiritual growth is a priority for our students.
