For many young people it’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and Lakehead Public Schools is asking Thunder Bay residents to help make dreams come true.
For 30 years, MLI Homestay has provided learning experiences in Canada for international students from across the world including Europe, Asia and South America. Over 50,000 students in 83 host communities have participated in the program since its inception, and Thunder Bay is about to join that list. Lakehead Public Schools anticipates over 30 international high school students will be arriving in September for the 2024-2025 school year with a second group arriving in February for second term. Currently, only 13 students arriving in September are matched with hosts and MLI Homestay is asking for the community’s help to find 18-20 hosts.
“Welcoming international students in Thunder Bay offers a uniquely enriching opportunity for cultural interchange and lasting bonds,” says Nissa Francisco, Student Care Supervisor for Thunder Bay. “Through our partnership with Lakehead Public Schools’ international student program, more families can delight in the experience of hosting students from various corners of the globe, sharing diverse traditions, and forging enduring relationships”.
A large part of the international students’ experience while in Canada is participating in “Canadian life” with their host family. This includes enjoying various foods they have heard or read about, participating in the family’s weekly routine, and extracurricular activities that they may not have at home such as skating, ice fishing, skiing, hiking through a forest, or even going to a local supermarket.
“Hosting international students in Thunder Bay is an incredibly special experience that fosters cultural exchange and creates lifelong connections,” says Steven Johnson, International Student Co-Ordinator for Lakehead Public Schools. “As the international student program at Lakehead Public Schools continues to grow, more families have the chance to embrace the joy of welcoming students from around the world into their homes, sharing diverse cultures, and creating cherished memories.”
Hosts are required to include students in their home life, provide a private bedroom with a bed, desk and window, access to a bathroom and 3 meals a day. Hosts are fairly compensated per month to take care of students’ basic needs. Local coordinators in Thunder Bay are available for support. Visit https://www.mlihomestay.com/ for more information.
