There are a number of different options available for housing while you are attending Okanagan College. If you are under 18 years old, you must stay with one of our approved host families until at least your 18th birthday. If you are 18 years of age or over, you may choose from:
Being a host family for an international student is a very rewarding experience. If you are interested in Hosting OC International students, read more about the program.
The Homestay program is an opportunity for cultural exchange between Canadians and International students, where students live with a host family for a period of time. Host families learn about other countries and cultures and help students adjust to living in Canada. Students have more opportunities to practice their English and learn about Canadian lifestyles, values, and customs.
Living with a homestay family is a good way to learn and practice English. The home may be a house, apartment, or a townhouse. Homes are normally located within 30 minutes or less of the campus by bus. Host families are chosen for their interest in other cultures and their willingness to help students adjust to the Canadian lifestyle. The host family may be a family with children, a family without children, or a single person.
Your homestay family will arrange to pick you up upon your arrival for Kelowna students (other transportation arrangements may be needed for student attending other campuses).
If your flight and arrival day or time is very inconvenient for your host (eg. During the workday hours M-F or after 10pm) you may be asked to take a taxi or shuttle from the airport at your own expense).
Please communicate with your host family and keep in touch with them when it comes to your itinerary changes and delays, they are the ones who will need to know about your arrival details, including the date and time and your flight number or if you are arriving by bus.
Students are required to pay all homestay fees together to the College at least 1 month before arriving to Canada. Payments should be made to the student’s account at Okanagan College, the same way tuition is paid. *All fees are subject to change and effective Sep 1, 2026.
Students who are planning on living in homestay for a longer term or for an undetermined time more than one semester (e.g. diploma/degree students) may be asked to pay their host directly on the 1st day of each month ($1150 per month).
For payments directly to hosts please only use Interac e-transfers from a Canadian Financial institution.
Move out date - Students placed in homestay for a set term (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 semesters) must leave the homestay within 3 days after the semester exam period ends to make room for new students.
| Semester | Move in or out dates |
|---|---|
| Winter 2026 (Jan - Apr) | Move-out by April 25, 2026 |
| Spring/Summer 2026 (May - Aug) | Move-in from April 28, Move-out by Aug. 22, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 (Sep - Dec) | Move-in from Sep. 1-2, 2026, Move-out by Dec. 22, 2026 |
Leaving homestay early – Students are required to give one (1) month notice to both their host and OC staff prior to moving out otherwise fees for 1 month may be forfeited.
Refund, cancellation of fees – There is no refund for the $250 placement fee once the homestay confirmation email has been sent. If a student moves out of homestay with OC's approval, all unused homestay semester fees will be credited to the student account and can be applied to other fees, such as tuition, or refunded if the student is leaving the College.
Communication
Host families are welcoming and eager to learn about other cultures. Since most host families do not speak the student’s native language, communication will primarily be in English.
Meals
Students receive three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are often self-serve, while dinner is typically a hot meal shared with the family.
Cooking
If students miss food from home, they can usually find ingredients at local supermarkets. Students are provided with three meals a day and are encouraged to cook and share dishes from their own culture with their hosts.
Housework
As part of the household, students are expected to share responsibilities, such as keeping their bedroom clean and maintaining their bathroom if it’s private or shared. Specific chores should be agreed upon with the host family.
Privacy
The student’s privacy is valued in the homestay program. Each student will get his/her own private bedroom. Each home has been visited to ensure cleanliness and safety. The student will have a private bedroom with a bed, dresser, desk or table, chair and lamp.
Student Application For Homestay Homestay Regulations Notice to Move
For more information - Contact the Homestay settlement team: homestay@okanagan.bc.ca
Homestay is a vital part of Okanagan College International Education’s commitment to delivering a Canadian living and learning experience for our students. The information below may help you with your decision to open your home to an international student.
As a homestay, the following are required:
The current homestay compensation is $1150 per month and must provide the student(s) with their own private bedroom, food for three meals per day plus healthy snacks. Hosts are asked to pick-up/drop-off their student(s) at the airport. The College will issue hosts with payments on a monthly basis.
If you are interested in being an OC homestay, please complete homestay web application. The Homestay Coordinator will contact you and as the need arises, will be contacted for a home visit prior to being placed with students.
