Queen’s School of English HOMESTAY PROGRAM STUDENT MANUAL 2014

Queen’s School of English
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
STUDENT MANUAL
2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Queen’s School of English Homestay ..............................................................................................3
What to Expect .......................................................................................................................................................4
What Homestay Is ................................................................................................................................................4
What Homestay Is Not .........................................................................................................................................4
What you Need to Do .............................................................................................................................................5
Procedure ..............................................................................................................................................................5
Application ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Orientation ............................................................................................................................................................5
Financial Information ............................................................................................................................................6
Homestay Fees and Deadlines..............................................................................................................................6
Early Arrival / Late Departure .............................................................................................................................6
Trial Period ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Refunds.................................................................................................................................................................7
Obtaining your Deposit ........................................................................................................................................7
Homestay Renewal Procedure .............................................................................................................................7
Living in Homestay ................................................................................................................................................8
Family Dynamic ...................................................................................................................................................8
Expectations/Responsibilities...............................................................................................................................8
Food .....................................................................................................................................................................9
Daily Schedule and Household Routines .............................................................................................................9
English Only.......................................................................................................................................................10
Phone .................................................................................................................................................................10
Internet ...............................................................................................................................................................10
Laundry ..............................................................................................................................................................10
Pets .....................................................................................................................................................................10
Visitors ..............................................................................................................................................................10
Winter Temperature ...........................................................................................................................................10
Your Room .........................................................................................................................................................11
Alcohol ...............................................................................................................................................................11
Smoking .............................................................................................................................................................11
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Travel ................................................................................................................................................................11
Personal Safety ...................................................................................................................................................11
Communication ....................................................................................................................................................12
Problem Resolution ............................................................................................................................................12
Tips to Cope .......................................................................................................................................................12
Need a Doctor .......................................................................................................................................................13
Queen’s Student Health ......................................................................................................................................13
Emergencies .......................................................................................................................................................13
Additional Information .......................................................................................................................................14
Arrival ................................................................................................................................................................14
First Day .............................................................................................................................................................14
Money Matters ...................................................................................................................................................14
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WELCOME TO QUEEN’S SCHOOL OF ENGLISH HOMESTAY
We are pleased that you have chosen Queen’s School of English homestay program and we hope that your
experience with us will be both rewarding and memorable.
Your homestay hosts are happy that you are staying with them. Each family has its own traditions and ways of
doing things. You will find that there are many differences among your Canadian hosts--differences in terms of
family composition, ethnicity, occupation, education, and interests.
All of our homestay hosts are typical of our multicultural Canadian society. They were chosen because they are
interested in other cultures, and are looking forward to sharing their homes and experiences with you. Many of
our hosts have shared their homes before with international students from all over the world. They will do their
best to make your stay in Kingston an enjoyable one.
Living in homestay in a new culture may feel strange at first. Try to be open to new experiences, and new ways
of doing things even though they may be different from what you are used to. It is normal that many of you may
at some point experience some feelings of anxiety, disappointment, or frustration, simply because you are in in
a new cultural environment. This is to be expected, and soon will pass.
If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable in your homestay host's home, please speak to your host or to the
homestay coordinator about it right away. Most difficulties in homestay arise as a result of cultural differences,
and can be easily resolved if they are dealt with promptly.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
What Homestay Is:
 Homestay is a living arrangement that has many benefits.
 It is an excellent opportunity for students to practise English language skills and also to learn about life
in Canada.
 It allows you to connect with people who are interested in other cultures, who care about you, and who
are available to offer guidance and assistance when you need help
 Opportunity to meet other international students who are in the same situation.
Each Homestay placement includes:
 Private bedroom, shared bathroom and bed linens, towels, soap and toilet paper;
 Food for all meals and some snacks;
 Dinner preparation at least five times a week.
 Phone for local calls (you will need to bring a cell phone or use a pre-paid card for long-distance calls)
 Laundry facilities, one or two loads of laundry per week
 Internet access for academic work
Each homestay student has a fully furnished private bedroom and shares the other parts of the house with the
homestay hosts, and possibly with other students. Most homestays do not provide private bathrooms. Food for
all meals is included in homestay.
Some homestay homes are located within 20 minutes walking distance of the university, and some homes are
located up to an hour away by bus. Most homestay hosts have one or more pets, usually a cat or dog. It may not
be possible to place a student with a homestay host who does not have a pet.
What Homestay Is Not:
 It is not the same as your own family, or TV and movie families; all host families are different!
 It is not an apartment or hotel; you will be asked to participate in daily family life and responsibilities
 It is usually not a place where a host is home during the day. Most homestay hosts work.
 It is not a place where you can smoke, drink or party; you must respect the rules of the home just as you
would respect the rules of your parents’ home
Homestay placements do not include:
 Prepared breakfasts or lunches; food will be available for you to make your own breakfast and lunch
 Special foods or snacks that are beyond what the host would normally provide
 Alcoholic beverages
 Entertainment fees including restaurant meals, movie or theatre tickets, entrance fees
 Maid service; you must keep your own room clean and tidy
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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Procedure
1. Read all homestay information available on our web site and this manual.
2. Complete homestay application and send with the $100 administrative fee (non-refundable) and $350
homestay deposit (refundable).
3. A homestay acknowledgement email will be sent to you.
4. Homestay accommodation fee must be paid before the deadline indicated on the web site.
5. The Homestay Coordinator will email you your new host family information 10 days before your study
start date.
6. Confirm your placement with the Homestay Coordinator.
7. Contact your host family and let them know when you are arriving.
Application
Please complete the application form with as much detail as possible, so that the most appropriate homestay
placement can be arranged for you. We attempt to meet as many of your preferences as possible, but it is not
always possible to match all your preferences.
Homestay applications must be received by the Queen’s School of English by the deadline. Please apply early
by completing the application form and paying the non-refundable $100 Homestay administration fee and the
refundable $350 deposit. This can be paid with your tuition invoice.
After you have been accepted as a student at the Queen’s School of English and we have received your
homestay application form, along with the non-refundable $100 Homestay administration fee and the $350
deposit, you will be sent an email acknowledging the status of your homestay application. Your placement
details will be sent to you 10 days before the session begins.
Late Applicants
Students who apply late, miss deadlines, and reject placements will be dealt with on an individual basis; a
Homestay placement cannot be guaranteed in these situations.
Orientation
On the first Friday of your session you will meet our Homestay Coordinator and review the policies and
procedures of the Homestay program. This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Homestay Fees and Deadlines
 All fees and homestay dates are outlined on our web site Accommodation Dates and Fees page. Students
pay a flat rate for the Homestay time period.
 A CAD$350 deposit (refundable) and CAD$100 (non-refundable) Homestay administration fee must be
submitted to Queen’s School of English before your Homestay application form can be processed. These
fees will be included in your invoice.
 The accommodation fee may be paid with your program fees on one invoice OR you may make a
separate payment by the Final Payment Deadline.
 The CAD$350 deposit will be returned when you leave the Homestay program unless there are damages
to your host’s home or unpaid bills, such as long distance telephone charges.
 A $100 administrative fee is charged if you require QSoE to find you an alternate Homestay placement.
Early Arrival / Late Departure
Students may arrive at their Homestay host’s home between 8 am and midnight on the arrival date, depending
on the availability of the homestay host. Students who arrive in Kingston after midnight must arrange to stay in
a hotel, inn or other accommodation until the next day.
If you choose to arrive a day or two earlier or need to stay later than the Homestay time period, it is your
responsibility to make arrangements with your host and to pay your host CAD$30/night directly. **This fee
becomes $50/night if you leave your Homestay before the end of your trial period.
Trial Period
 If you or the host find the arrangement is not suitable for any reason, the request to change Homestay
hosts must be made by the deadline specified in the letter sent to you with your Homestay Placement
information.
 The deadline date is the same for all students regardless of the date of arrival to the home.
 A Bed & Breakfast rate of CAD$50/night will be paid by the student to the host for each night of the
trial period that they were accommodated if the student decides to leave the homestay during the trial
period.
 If possible, the Homestay Coordinator will assist in finding an alternate homestay; however, this too is
not guaranteed, as spaces are not always available.
 There are no refunds after the trial period deadline even if the student leaves before the end of the
session, unless deemed valid by the Homestay Coordinator.
Refunds
 Once the trial period has passed and a student has committed to their placement, no refund of fees will
be issued without a legitimate reason, approved by the Homestay Coordinator.
 A legitimate reason may include, but is not limited to, a homestay host failing to meet any of the
mandatory criteria or responsibilities outlined in the Homestay Host manual. If it is believed that a
legitimate reason exists, the student must be prepared to present his/her case to the Homestay
Coordinator. The HS Coordinator, with the Director and a panel of arbitrators will consider all aspects
of the situation and will make a fair decision.
 If a legitimate reason exists, the remainder of the Homestay fee will be returned to the student.
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After the trial period is over, if you decide, without a legitimate reason, to leave your host’s home before the
end of the session, the “room” portion of homestay fee will be kept by the host, but the remaining “food”
portion ($12 per night, subject to change) will be returned to you. In order to receive the $12 per night refund,
you must obtain a Student Request Form, available in the main office, and the form must be received by the
office within one week of your last day in homestay.
If a homestay host wishes a student to leave, or if a student is removed from the home by Queen’s School of
English, the student will be refunded in full for the remaining nights.
Obtaining Your Deposit
You pay a $350 refundable deposit to Queen’s School of English before the homestay arrangement is made.
This full deposit is refunded at the end of your stay unless the host indicates that you have a legitimate
outstanding debt to the host. If you know that these are your expenses, you must pay this amount to your host.
If there are damages, or additional phone or Internet charges, or other outstanding fees owed by you, that you
have refused to pay, the host must submit a claim to the Homestay Coordinator. If the claim is approved, the
amount owing will be taken from your homestay deposit and the rest will be returned to you at the end of the
term. In order to avoid being charged for damages that you are not your fault, it would be a good idea to take
photos of your room and the bathroom the day that you move in.
Homestay Renewal Procedure:
If you would like to continue your homestay placement for another term, and your host has agreed, you need to
contact QSoE and follow the payment deadlines. Private arrangements with QSoE Homestay hosts are not
permitted.
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LIVING IN HOMESTAY
Family Dynamic
Each family has its own traditions and ways of doing things. You will find that there are many differences
amongst your Canadian hosts--differences in terms of family composition, socio-economic status, occupation,
education, and interests. In homestay families, males and females are equally important and are equally
respected. For example, it could be one or a combination of the following:
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a single adult
an adult or couple with children
working or retired couples
Homes are often shared with more than one student
Homes are often shared with pets
Queen’s School of English homestay hosts are people who are interested in learning about other cultures and
who enjoy sharing their homes with international students. They represent a variety of cultural, racial, language,
and religious backgrounds.
Expectations/Responsibilities
The following are your general household expectations and responsibilities:

It is your responsibility to wake yourself up in the morning and be on time for class; this is not your
host’s responsibility.

Please remove your shoes in the entranceway and keep your bedroom and the bathroom clean and tidy.

You may be asked to help with household tasks such as setting the table, washing or drying dishes, or
cleaning up after supper. This is part of living with a Canadian host. Offering to help without being
asked will show consideration. You are not expected to cut the grass, babysit the children, or clean the
house (other than cleaning up after you use the kitchen or bathroom).

Please always check with your host before inviting your friend(s) to visit. Respect the hours set by the
host for visitors. not want to host an additional guest or, . .

Please introduce all visitors to your host.

Entertain your visitors in the common areas of the house--the kitchen, living room, or dining room. Do
not take visitors to your bedroom unless you ask the host’s permission first. Please refrain from sexual
activity in your hosts’ home unless they have specifically told you that it is okay.

Inform visitors of house policies regarding smoking, removing of shoes indoors, etc.

Please respect the private property of the host family: respect that their bedrooms and offices are private
spaces.

Anytime you are not sure if it is okay to use something belonging to your host, you can ask. Be sure to
ask how to use radios, TVs, computers, washing machines, dryers, etc., and follow your host's wishes
regarding this equipment.
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It is important to always lock the doors when you leave the house, and to take your key with you.
Please be careful not to lose the house key and remember to return it to your host on the last day.
Food
In your home, you will be expected to prepare your breakfast and your lunch. This means that breakfast
and lunch are not served to you, but food is available for you to prepare for yourself. If you want to eat
your lunch at school, you will need to pack your lunch in the morning before you go (or the night before). You
may want to ask your host to show you what is available to eat. It is important to clean up (wash the dishes and
wipe the table or counter top) after you prepare any food in the kitchen.
As much as possible, and within reason, your host will try to provide the type of food that you like. If your host
asks what you would like to eat, tell him or her. Breakfast foods may include cereal, milk, juice, fruit, yogurt,
muffins, toast, eggs, and pancakes or waffles. Typical lunch foods are bread, lunchmeat (ham, chicken, salami,
tuna, etc.), cheese, eggs, lettuce and other vegetables, soup, yogurt, fruit, and cookies.
Your host will provide a prepared dinner for you in the evening. Meals in Canadian homes tend to be quite
informal. For most (but not all) families, the evening meal is the time for conversation. Often this is one of the
few times when all the members of the household have an opportunity to sit down together and talk about their
day. Your host will tell you when dinner will be served. Please tell your host in advance if you think you might
be late. If you are late, your host will keep your meal for you, and you will have to reheat it in the microwave
when you return. If you are unsure of what is expected of you at meal time (or any other time) please ask your
host. Sometimes (up to 2 nights a week) a homestay host may have other commitments, and may not be able to
be home at dinnertime. In this case, your host will leave a meal for you to heat up.
Daily Schedule & Household Routines
All hosts have a daily routine and likely go to bed before you, as students tend to stay up late. It is important
that you ask your host what time they go to bed and respect their schedule by being quiet after this hour.
If you come home late in the evening, and would like to reheat your meal, and take a shower, ensure that you do
it quietly. If you plan to get up earlier than your host, make sure that you are not disturbing your host’s sleep. If
you are sharing a bathroom with your host, it may be a good idea to discuss with them when you usually like
take a shower, so that you can work around each other’s schedule.
Ask your host when they would like you to do your laundry. Some hosts have specific days and times that they
expect you to do it on.
English-only
You came here to learn English. Hosts provide a supportive, English-only environment in which you can be
immersed in a new language in a natural setting. Take advantage of this opportunity and converse with your
hosts as much as you can.
Phone
Hosts are expected to provide a landline telephone, cell phone, or reliable Internet phone for you to make local
calls at no extra charge. Students are responsible for their own long distance charges. Several alternatives exist
regarding long-distance calls via video calls or phone line. Please use a phone card, call collect, or use a video
chat service when making long-distance calls. You also may be asked to limit the length of your video chat calls
as this uses a large amount of GBs.
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Please be respectful when using your own cellphone. Do not use your cellphone while talking with your host, as
your host may consider this impolite.
Internet
Students are expected to bring their own computer. All homestay homes are equipped with free basic highspeed Internet for student use. In Canada, high-speed Internet service is available at various levels and prices.
Very few homestay hosts have unlimited Internet service as it is very expensive in Canada. Most hosts have
limited GBs and a slower download speed than you may be used to. You may use your homestay host’s Internet
services for academic purposes. You may use your homestay host’s internet services for email, voice chat,
online research, reading, and any activities required for studies at QSoE. Your host, however, may ask you not
to download movies, music, You Tube clips, television programs, or play online games as this may result in
overuse charges for them.
Your host will let you know what their monthly limit is and show you how to monitor your own usage. If you
use the Internet and use large amounts of GBs, you will be responsible for paying the additional charges
resulting from your overuse. If you do not wish to pay these extra charges, download in public places that have
Wi-Fi, such as on the university campus, or local cafes.
Laundry
Your hosts are required to provide you (without an additional charge) with laundry facilities and laundry
detergent in order for you to do your laundry at least once a week. Washing your own laundry is your
responsibility unless your host specifies that he or she would prefer to do it. Ask how to use the laundry
facilities, and at which times you should use them. If any items need to be soaked, ask your host for a tub in
which to soak these items.
Pets
Most Canadian families have a dog or a cat, or both, who usually live inside the house. These pets are dearly
loved as members of the family. If your homestay host has a pet, it is important that you to treat the pet kindly,
but you do not need to allow it to sit on your lap or sleep on your bed. Please let your homestay hosts know if
you do not feel entirely comfortable with their pet.
Visitors
Respect the hours set by the host for visitors. If you would like to have a friend from out of town stay overnight,
ask your host a few days in advance. Your host may say yes, but be prepared for your host to refuse your
request. It may not be convenient for your host to have additional visitors at that time.
Winter Temperature
A reasonable, indoor, daytime temperature is 20 to 22 degrees, when people are home. Reasonable, overnight
temperatures are 17 to 20 degrees.
Your Room
Your room is your personal space and you have the right to keep it private. Please be sure it is kept clean and
tidy. Hosts should not enter your room uninvited unless it is an emergency. If you do not want anyone to enter
your room when you are not there, remember to turn off your light and not to leave a ringing cellphone in the
room.
Alcohol
The drinking age in Ontario is 19 years old. It is illegal to drink when you are under this age. Young adults in
many cultures enjoy social activities that involve drinking alcohol Due to the cost of alcoholic beverages at
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nightclubs and bars, some young people drink at home before they go out. It is the host’s right to request that
their student(s) refrain from drinking alcohol in their home, even students who are 19 years of age or older.
Smoking
Most Canadian homes are non-smoking environments. If you smoke, you may be asked to smoke outside
in order to limit your host’s exposure to second hand smoke.
Travel
We hope that you will be able to participate in a variety of activities in Kingston either with your host or with
your friends. Some hosts are actively involved in the community, and/or enjoy going on day trips; others prefer
to stay at home. Your hosts are not expected to take you on trips, or tour you around the city, but some of them
choose to do so. Show your appreciation if they do this for you. If they do not, then it is your responsibility to
plan your travels. When you are touring Kingston or travelling to other cities, please look after your own
personal safety.
Personal Safety
The best way to keep safe while living in homestay is:
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Establish a way to communicate with your host whether by phone, texting, or messaging.
Always tell your host where you will be going, and when you plan to return. If you decide to go out for
the evening with a friend, call your host to let them know where you will be. If you are going to be late
returning home, call to let your host know.
Never walk alone after dark. Walk with a friend, call a taxi, call your host, or call the Queen’s
University walk-home service (533-WALK, or 533-9255).
Never give your phone number or address to a person you have met for the first time. Ask that
person for his or her phone number instead. If you want to meet the person again, arrange to meet in a
public place, like a coffee shop, not at the person's home. Never accept a ride in a car from someone you
do not know. Remember that it is okay to be impolite when a stranger or a new acquaintance makes you
feel uncomfortable. Trust your feelings. It is not necessary to talk to anyone, or to answer any questions,
if you do not want to. If you feel that you are in danger, leave immediately and go to a place where there
are other people.
Learn what to do if you hear the fire alarm in your house or in any public building, and know alternative
ways to leave your house. Record emergency phone numbers on your phone. Call 911 in the case of
any serious emergency.
If you decide to ride a bike, you are required to follow the same rules of the road as automobile drivers.
You must ride your bike on the right side of the road, not on the left side or the sidewalk, and stop at
stop signs. It is important to signal when you stop or turn. It is expected that you will wear a helmet
when cycling.
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COMMUNICATION
It is important to remember that communication is the key to a successful relationship between you and your
host. This will not only help you through difficult times, but will also enrich your time together. It is also
important to listen attentively and ask questions.
Problem Resolution
In general, Canadians are polite, yet they appreciate directness. Please try to be open and direct with your host,
and discuss any misunderstandings or problems you might have immediately. Tell your host how you are
feeling and what you are thinking. When you talk about small problems with your host, the problems usually
can be resolved easily. When you do not talk about these problems, they can grow quickly into very difficult
situations.
Your hosts choose to have you stay with them. They want to get to know you. You will enjoy your experience
with your host more if you get to know them too during the short time that you are here. You will be very busy
with your studies and activities, but try to spend some time talking with your host and doing things together.
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If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable in your homestay host's home, please speak to them about it
right away.
If you and your host cannot resolve the problem, talk to the Homestay Coordinator about difficulties, or
confusion you are experiencing; the Homestay Coordinator will help to involve the host in the
discussion so that the issue can be resolved as quickly as possible.
In Canada it is healthy and acceptable to discuss your problems. Let your host know how you are feeling
and what you are thinking. And, always remember you have the Homestay Coordinator to ask if you
need help resolving a problem.
When you talk about small problems with your host, they can usually be resolved. When you do not
talk about small problems, they can grow quickly into difficult situations.
Homestay Coordinator: Helen Parfitt parfitth@queensu.ca 613-533-2472
Tips to Cope
Most students find that their host families are quite different from what they expect. It is normal to experience
some feelings of anxiety, disappointment, or frustration, simply because everything is new and you are
immersed in a new cultural environment. This is to be expected, and you will soon adjust and become
comfortable.
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Be open to new experiences
Try new ways of doing things even ones to which you are unaccustomed
Realize that it is inevitable that there will be challenges when you are studying a new language in a
foreign country
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NEED A DOCTOR?
If you need medical attention, there are several options.
Appointments
If your health issue requires a family doctor, you should book an appointment at QU Student Health Services,
located in the LaSalle Building: http://www.queensu.ca/hcds/hs/howto.html
You can book an appointment by calling 613-533-2506 or come into the clinic located at 146 Stuart Street.
Appointments cannot be booked or cancelled by e-mail.
When you make your appointment you will be asked the reason for seeing the doctor. This is to provide the
appropriate amount of time for dealing with your problem.
Appointments may be booked
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
 No physician appointments booked through lunch from 12 to 1 pm
Each time you visit Student Health Services bring your student card and your health insurance form.
Emergencies
For life-threatening emergencies Call 911
Alternatively, go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
Kingston General Hospital
King Street
open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Hotel Dieu Hospital
Brock Street at Montreal
open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm 7 days/week
Hotel Dieu is often the best place to go if you have an illness or condition that is not putting your life in danger,
for example, if you have a sick stomach, fever, cough, an eye problem, a cut needing stitches, a sprain or sports
injuries,
Off-Campus Medical Clinics (when the QU Student Health Services is closed):
Greater Kingston After Hours Medical Clinic
Bayridge Plaza West, 775 Strand Blvd
Monday to Friday 6:00 pm to 9:30 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 9:30 am to 4:30 PM
TeleHealth Ontario
Free confidential access to registered nurses
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1 (866) 797-0000
Urgent Care Centre
Cataraqui Town Centre
389-3348
Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Arrival in Kingston
If arriving individually, homestay hosts try to meet the student at the Kingston airport or train or bus station,
provided the student arrives between 8 am and midnight. There is no charge for this service. The student must
contact the host directly to arrange to be met when the student arrives in Kingston.
First Day of School
Your host will take you to school on your first day, and pick you up at the end of the day. Take this time to
familiarize yourself with bus routes and streets.
Money Matters
The accommodation fee you paid to your host is meant to cover the normal necessities of daily meals and
housing.
Be sure that you have sufficient spending money for your other needs: entertainment, personal purchases,
souvenirs or any other unexpected expenses that may arise.
It is a good idea to open a bank account once you arrive in Kingston; it is not safe to keep large amounts of cash
in your room or with you.
Some of the suggestions for homestay students are based on information from an ICS publication (Summer 1991), homestay students
and hosts, and the Florida International Student Christmas Conference (Mendola & Eves, 1995), and the Queen’s University Health
Services website.
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