FAQ: Accommodation, Homestay and Custodianship

Q: What accommodation options are available for international students?

A: WSD International does not operate student dormitories or residences. 

International students who require accommodation may be placed with an approved homestay family through the WSD International Homestay Program. Homestay families provide students with a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment during their studies in Winnipeg. 

Families and agents of students may also arrange their own accommodation, subject to WSD International's approval and applicable custodianship requirements.

Q: Can students arrange their own accommodation?

A: Yes. Students may arrange their own accommodation; however, all independent living arrangements must be approved by WSD International. 

Students who are not living with a WSD-approved homestay family must live with a responsible adult at least 25 years old who is willing to assume custodial responsibility while the student is studying in Canada. 

Once the arrangement has been approved, notarized copies of the required Independent Custodianship documents must be submitted to WSD International before the student begins their program.

Q: Do students need a custodian?

A: International students studying in Manitoba may require a custodian while living in Canada, depending on their age and individual circumstances.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), custodianship requirements generally apply to students under the age of 18, although immigration officers may request custodianship documentation in other circumstances.

For students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program, WSD International acts as the student's custodian as part of the homestay arrangement, regardless of the student's age. This provides additional support, supervision, and assistance throughout the student's stay in Canada.

Students living outside the WSD International Homestay Program must provide approved custodianship documentation to WSD International before beginning their studies.

Families should always refer to the official IRCC website for the most current custodianship requirements.

Q: Who is eligible for the WSD International Homestay Program?

A: The WSD International Homestay Program is available to international students who apply through an approved WSD partner agency. 

Students who apply independently or outside of a WSD partner agency arrangement are not eligible for placement in the WSD International Homestay Program. 

Families who are not applying through a partner agency are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and custodianship that meet WSD International and immigration requirements.

Q: Is there a homestay placement or custodianship fee?

A: No. WSD International does not charge a separate homestay placement or custodianship fee. Homestay placement and custodianship services are included as part of the homestay fees for students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program.

Q: What is included in the WSD International Homestay Program?

A: WSD International homestay students are placed with carefully selected host families in Winnipeg who provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment. 

Homestay arrangements typically include:

• A private bedroom with an appropriate study space
• Meals provided by the host family
• A supportive family environment
• Guidance  and support while adjusting to life in Canada
• Custodianship 
• Airport pickup upon arrival and drop-off upon departure at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
• Support from the WSD International Homestay team

Homestay families help students feel comfortable, supported, and connected during their studies in Winnipeg.

Q: How are homestay families selected?

A: WSD International carefully screens all homestay families to help ensure student safety and well-being. 

Host families complete an application and interview process, provide references, complete criminal record and child abuse registry checks, and participate in orientation and training. 

Families are selected based on their ability to provide a caring, safe, and supportive environment for international students.

Q: What responsibilities does a homestay family have?

A: Homestay families are expected to provide students with a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment.

Host families are expected to provide the accommodations and services outlined in the homestay arrangement, support the student's adjustment to life in Winnipeg, and communicate with WSD International when concerns arise.

WSD International provides support to both students and host families throughout the homestay experience.

Q: Can students choose their homestay family?

A: Students cannot choose a specific homestay family.

WSD International's Homestay team carefully considers the student's needs and available host-family options when making a placement.

Factors may include the student's age, school location, dietary requirements, allergies, interests, and other relevant information provided in the application and during the homestay process.

The goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and appropriate home environment for each student.

Q: What if a student has allergies or special dietary requirements?

A: Students and families must provide accurate and complete information about allergies, dietary restrictions, medical needs, accessibility requirements, and other important considerations during the application and homestay placement process.

The WSD International Homestay team carefully reviews this information and communicates the student's relevant needs to prospective host families before a placement is confirmed. This helps ensure that the host family is aware of the student's needs and is able to accommodate them.

Additional fees may apply for certain special dietary requirements or accommodation needs. Any applicable additional fees are confirmed during the application process and are outlined in the WSD International fee and payment information.

While WSD International makes every effort to identify a suitable homestay placement based on the information provided, specific host-family arrangements cannot always be guaranteed.

Providing complete and accurate information during the application process helps the Homestay team identify the most appropriate placement for each student.

Q: Can a student request a homestay family with a specific cultural or language background?

A: Students may share their cultural, language, dietary, or other preferences with the WSD International Homestay team during the placement process. We consider this information when making homestay placements; however, specific cultural, language, or family preferences cannot be guaranteed.

Winnipeg is a welcoming and multicultural city, and Canada is known for its diversity. Our homestay families come from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds. Living with a host family can be an opportunity for students to experience Canadian life while also sharing their own culture, traditions, and experiences with their host family.

Homestay placement is based primarily on the student's safety, well-being, individual needs, and the availability of an appropriate host family. We aim to create a positive match that supports the student's comfort, adjustment, and overall experience in Winnipeg.

Students are encouraged to approach the homestay experience with an open mind and an appreciation for the opportunity to learn from and connect with people from different backgrounds.

Q: What if a student wants to change homestays?

A: WSD International understands that adjustments can take time. If concerns arise, please speak with the Homestay Coordinators so we can discuss the situation and provide support. If necessary, alternative homestay arrangements may be considered to help ensure the student’s safety, comfort, and well-being.

Q: What should students do if they have a problem with their host family?

A: Students are encouraged to communicate with their host family about concerns whenever possible.

If a concern cannot be resolved or a student does not feel comfortable discussing the matter with the host family, the student should contact the WSD International Homestay team. The Homestay team is available to support students and host families and to help address concerns appropriately. 

If there is an immediate concern involving a student's safety or well-being, the student should seek assistance immediately.

Q: Can students change their homestay because of personal preferences?

A: Homestay changes are considered on a case-by-case basis.

WSD International will work with the student and host family to understand the concern and determine the most appropriate course of action.

A change may be considered when there are significant concerns related to the student's safety, well-being, compatibility, or the suitability of the living arrangement.

A homestay change is not automatically approved based solely on personal preferences.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about homestay or accommodation?

A: Questions about homestay placement, host families, airport arrangements, independent accommodation, or custodianship should be directed to the WSD International Homestay team.

Phone: 204-789-8086
Email: homestays@wsd1.org

For immigration-related questions about custodianship requirements, families should refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult an authorized immigration representative.

Important Reminder

WSD International's Homestay Program is intended to provide international students with a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment while they study in Winnipeg.

All accommodation arrangements outside the WSD International Homestay Program must be approved by WSD International before the student begins their program and must meet applicable WSD International and custodianship requirements.

Immigration requirements, including custodianship requirements, may change. Families should always refer to the most current information from IRCC for immigration-related requirements.

WSD International does not provide individual immigration advice or representation.