ALDERGROVE
 CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
 GUIDELINES

Introduction
Fee Structures 
Homestay Information 
Homestay Guidelines 
Host Family Expectations 
Student Expectations 

 

FORMS
1. STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

2. HOST FAMILY AGREEMENT

INTRODUCTION:
 We exist to provide International students the opportunity to learn English in a Christ-centered community. We aim to provide our students with a comprehensive English education in a supportive and caring environment.

Currently, our primary focus at Aldergrove Christian Academy is students between the ages of 10-13. However, accommodations can be made for students outside of this age group. Our program includes streamlined ESL classes that meet the individual’s language needs. The students participate in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and Canadian content courses. The International students integrate with regular classes to explore math, music, art, and physical education. Throughout the year, field trips provide a window to Canadian society and cultural landmarks from an informational perspective.

Classes are offered to target specific vocabulary and grammar skills, further increasing English language exposure.  Attendance is mandatory.

Each student enjoys the benefit of home stay placement within a Christian, English-speaking home. It should be noted that school policy requires the students to be placed in homestays unless they live with a blood relative who has parenting experience.

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FEE STRUCTURES:

ACA International Program Fee Schedule

Registration at ACA

$500

A one-time registration fee that covers all the paper work for ACA’s International Program including homestay placement.

Tuition

$8,500

Includes:

ESL instruction

An international classroom

Integration with Canadian students (PE/music/mathematics/art)

School uniform

School PE strip

Student Workbooks and portfolios

Activity Fee

$500

Includes:

School-sponsored field trips (including a winter ski trip)

Miscellaneous activities

Total Student Cost

$9,500

 

Additional Cost

 

 

 

 

 

-Parents of International students are responsible for their own visas and family medical insurance.

-Confirmation of medical insurance is required before the first day of class.

Homestay

$800*

This is a monthly fee* paid directly to the homestay family on the first of each month. All homestay families are screened and selected by ACA.

(all amounts are in Canadian dollars)

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HOMESTAY INFO:

The goal of our homestay program is to place our international students with safe, supportive, English-speaking, and most importantly, devoted Christian families. Our home stay program is built on families with strong Christian values. The families speak English at home to help cultivate the International student's language skills. 

It is our hope that the Aldergrove Christian Academy’s International Homestay Guidelines will encourage excellent communication and understanding between the students and host families registered with the International Program. If you have any questions regarding any of these guidelines, please contact our International Program Coordinator for clarification.

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HOMESTAY GUIDELINES:

  1. It is not guaranteed that the student will be matched with a family having children or persons in the same age range as the student, with a one-parent family or with a two-parent family. In every case, the International Program coordinator will make every effort to provide the best situation for the student.
  1. The student shall respect and follow the host family’s rules in their home.
  1. The student is expected to take part in the host family’s daily activities and to participate in some general chores shared by the family (tidy up after yourself, clean up after meals, etc). The host family will not expect the student to maintain their house or yard, baby-sit their children or cook their meals.
  1. The student must make sure the family knows where he/she is at all times.
  1. The student will be home for dinner with the family each night unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon.
  1. The student shall invite guests to the home only with the knowledge and permission of the host family.
  1. The student will keep his/her room clean and tidy and must vacuum their room and empty the garbage can at least once a week. Perishable food items should not be kept in the bedroom.
  1. The student shall respect the privacy and belongings of the host family.
  1. The student will carry insurance for medical emergencies.
  1. The host family may secure medical treatment for the student in the event of illness without liability.

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HOST FAMILY EXPECTATIONS

  1. The host family will provide a room with a separate bed for each student, a chest of drawers, clothes closet, and a study area that includes a desk and a reading lamp.
  1. The host family will provide the student with three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner or a bag lunch) a day or provisions for three meals a day, unless other arrangements have been made. Snacks should also be provided.
  1. The host family will provide the student with a clean environment as well as clean linen and towels on a regular basis.
  1. The host family will provide (or arrange) transportation to and from Aldergrove Christian Academy.
  1. The host family may secure medical treatment for the student (without liability) in the event of illness or injury. The student and/or guardian will agree to this prior to the homestay term.
  1. The Homestay parents should provide transportation to different events for various reasons as long as this occurs on a reasonable frequency. Three times per week is not unreasonable.
  1. Hosts are not responsible for long distance telephone calls.
  1. If the host wishes to terminate the homestay before the agreed time, it should be on reasonable grounds, and must allow the International Program coordinator at least one month to find a new home for the student.
  1. The student is expected to attend church or youth group once per week while living with the homestay.
  1. Homestay placements are made initially for two months. If the student and host are satisfied, the arrangement will continue until either the host or student gives one-month notice to terminate the arrangement.
  1. If problems arise, the host or the student is to contact the International Program Coordinator. The coordinator will then act as a mediator and seek to resolve the issues at hand.
  1. If the student terminates the homestay in agreement with the International Program coordinator, the host family will receive advance notice of at least one month prior to the student leaving.
  1. If the host family wishes to terminate the homestay in agreement with the International Program Coordinator, the host family must give at least two weeks notice prior to the student leaving.
  1. If the host family is in violation of this agreement, this contract between ACA and the host may be terminated immediately and payment that has been made to the host family beyond the termination date must be refunded to ACA.
  1. Payment of $800 per month should be made directly from the student to the Homestay parents unless other arrangements have been made through ACA. No lump sum payments will be permitted. Homestay parents are not to charge students for additional expenses.
  1. All homestay parents are required to complete a criminal record check before the student moves in to their home.
  1. The host family MUST notify the International Program coordinator of any unusual incidents as soon as possible.

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

General:

Students must understand that homestay parents are not just landlords. Students are expected to conform to the normal rules of family life and to contribute to the routine operations of the household. Always ask your host parent’s permission before making plans.

Interaction with Family:

The way to make the most of your Canadian living experience is to come with an open mind. Come prepared to participate in family life and share in the responsibilities of being a family member. The homestay experience you have will largely depend on you, your friendliness and your attitude.

The first few weeks of living in a new country with a new family will, at times, be difficult. You may feel homesick and frustrated with your new environment and the language. This is natural. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings.

If you choose to participate in family holidays and /or travel where costs are incurred, you are expected to assist in bearing the costs. Where you choose not to participate in the activity, then you and the homestay parents must make alternate arrangements that are acceptable to everyone.

Dealing with Problems:

Your homestay experience is an important part of your stay in Canada. It gives you the opportunity to become a member of a Canadian family. If you are having difficulty adjusting to your host family, try to communicate your problems and concerns to them. Often, problems and misunderstandings can be resolved in this way. If they cannot, your International Program Coordinator is always available to help you resolve your problems.

Families and students are expected to make every effort to make the homestay a success. In the unlikely event that the families and the students are incompatible, and every effort has failed to improve the situation, then another homestay will be arranged. If you are in a serious violation of the homestay rules, then you may be sent home.

Medical:

If you become ill or injured and require professional care, the homestay parent is authorized to give permission for treatment. Medical insurance policies and emergency medial treatment insurance are the responsibilities of each student.

Room:

You will have a room that is furnished with a bed, dresser, closet, mattress, pillow and bed linens. Your room will have an adequate study area with a suitable lamp, chair and desk. You and your homestay parents will need to talk about how much time you’ll want to spend alone. Respecting privacy is important, but too much time spent alone or writing/talking in your own language means less time spent practicing English.

Bathroom Use:

Canadian bathroom routines can be very different. Some of the main differences are as follows:

Canadians:

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prefer taking showers to baths

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often shower in the morning

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bathe inside the bathtub, drain and clean the tub after use

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have no drain in the bathroom floor

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keep the bathroom floor dry

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usually shower once per day

You should find out what your homestay family’s expectations are concerning the use of the bathroom. It is important to know when you can shower or bathe and for how long. It is not necessary for you to wait until your host parents have showered before taking your shower, but you should be sure to leave enough hot water for other people that might be showering after you (especially in the morning when everyone is getting ready to leave). Your family will provide necessary bathroom items such as toilet paper, soap and towels. You should try to leave the bathroom clean and dry after you use it.

Chores:

Your host family will welcome you into their home as a member of the family. This means that you will be treated more informally than a “guest” would be. Families appreciate it when you offer to help in the home by keeping your room clean and doing general chores, such as setting the table, doing the dishes or helping to prepare dinner.

As a family member you may be asked to make your own breakfast and lunch because this is what most family members do.

Helping with these chores can also give you the opportunity to talk to a family member, to practice your English and to be part of the family.

Meals:

Three meals per day are normal. On weekdays, breakfast is usually a quick, light meal. Families may prepare breakfast together. This meal may include bread/toast, jam, juice, milk, cereal, eggs, or other foods.

Lunch may include sandwiches, raw vegetables, salad and a dessert.

Your host family will ask what foods you like and dislike, so that they can try to meet your needs. You should politely inform your host family if you do not like a particular food.

 

Some common Canadian eating habits are as follows:

Canadians:

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may not take long to prepare meals

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do not eat much fish or raw fish

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usually have potatoes instead of rice 

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may use canned or frozen food

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eat raw vegetables, such as broccoli

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do not always peel their fruit & vegetables

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