• Homestay Program
  • Homestay Fees
  • How to apply
  • Hosting International Students
• Student Residence
  • Student meal plan
• Other housing options
• Housing search tips
• Helpful links
• Landlord problems

Living with a Canadian family can help improve English language skills while providing a warm and supportive learning environment.

Students have an opportunity to learn about Canadian culture and lifestyles and to share their cultural background with their host family.

Our Homestay Coordinator will try to match the student application to that of a suitable host family. Students are provided their own furnished room and three meals a day.

International students considering the Homestay program should realize that Canadian families come from a diverse multi-cultural background. Students are expected to integrate into the family and participate in the family’s daily routines. Students should realize that both adults may work outside the home and maintain a busy schedule of activities both work-related and social. Students should understand that although many families enjoy participating in our Homestay program, each family enjoys a different lifestyle.

Homestay Fees

The Homestay monthly fee is $675 CAD. If the student is under the age of 18, the fee is $750 CAD. The cost includes three meals a day and should be paid directly to your Host family upon arrival.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and mail or fax it to the IEC office with a non-refundable fee of $125 CAD and a security deposit of $675 CAD (or $750 CAD if the student under the age of 18).

If there is no outstanding expense at the end of your Homestay placement and sufficient notice has been given, your security deposit will be returned to you.

Hosting International Students

If you're interested in hosting International students, please mail or fax the Host family Application Form to the International Education Centre at (613) 727-7665.

Once we receive your completed application form, we will forward the application form to Chris Fitzgerald, Homestay Coordinator. Chris will then contact you for an appointment.

Students who wish to live on their own or with friends may consider other housing options such as apartment rentals or renting a room.

If you'd prefer to live off campus, the College has a directory listing of apartments and shared accommodations available for renting.

Renting an apartment will cost between $600-$800 CAD /month. Extra expenses to consider are the telephone installation, monthly telephone bills, household insurance, and food. Renting a room in someone’s house will cost between $300-400 CAD /month. Extra expenses to consider will be telephone installation, monthly telephone bills, and food.

If you are from outside Ottawa, we recommend making arrangements to spend a few days in the city while looking for accommodation.

Try to find housing in the West end of Ottawa, closer to the College or along the main transit bus route #95.

If you find a place where you need to take the bus, be sure to check out the bus route and how frequently it runs. Find out if the dwelling is close to all amenities.

There are some important questions you should ask regarding housing.

If you have any problems with your landlord. Please contact:

Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal
255 Albert Street, 4th floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 6A4
Tel: 1-888-332-3234
www.orht.gov.on.caBack to top