Families & Hosts
“My host family made my experience and adjustment to a new community so much better! Thank you for matching me with such a great family!”
– Former youth participant in the program
Who Can Host
Due to the reciprocal nature of the program, it is expected that youth who go on the exchange provide a spot for an incoming participant either in their family’s home, or with someone in their community (such as a teacher, family friend or youth group leader).
We also work with alternate families as some families are not able to welcome another youth during their child’s exchange.
Our host families come in all different forms. SWSE celebrates the diversity of the people who participate in the program every summer.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
During the six-week program, host families are responsible for providing participants with:
- Food and lodging
- A bed in a shared or single bedroom
- A welcoming environment
- Transportation to and from program activities when located in rural communities
Host families must also meet the following requirements:
- An adult is required to be home overnight for the duration of the exchange
- Anyone older than 18 in the home must consent to a police records check
- At least one person living in the home must have at least a basic level of English
What To Expect as a Host
The program runs as a result of families who are willing to open their homes and share their lives with youth participants. Host families often gain insights into new aspects of Canadian culture and different belief systems, and build lifelong friendships.
There is no expectation that families occupy youth during the weekdays, act as a “tour guide” for youth, or have pre-existing skills in the second official language.
Participants work full-time during the week and program activities are planned for one weeknight plus Saturday and Sundays. The only exception is the first weekend in August which we set aside as time for youth and host families to spend together.
Staff will visit host families at least twice during the program and are always available by email or phone for guidance and support.
Support For Accessible Hosting
A program goal is to make hosting a youth accessible for as many families as possible. Families are encouraged to discuss ideas, concerns, and questions with our local staff so they can best support you. Program staff take into consideration the host family's needs and expectations when making their placement decision.
Here are a few examples of how we have supported host families:
- Financial support for the purchase of food when needed
- Finding an extra bed for an incoming participant
- Translation and communication support for families who are developing official language skills
- Organizing carpooling for hosts with limited or no access to transportation
If you have questions about hosting or are interested in becoming an alternate host family, contact us.
A program goal is to make hosting a youth accessible for as many families as possible. Families are encouraged to discuss ideas, concerns, and questions with our local staff so they can best support you. Program staff take into consideration the host family's needs and expectations when making their placement decision.