Rooms needed for International students arriving this week

International Education is putting out an urgent call to Kelowna campus employees for homestay rooms.

Approximately a dozen International students from Japan are set to arrive on either Sept. 1 or 6, with the plan to stay for one term (mid-December).

"We have found the number of homestay families has decreased during the pandemic, and as International students return to in-person studies on campus, available rooms have been used up really quickly. Add the extremely tight housing market to this situation, and we have some urgent needs," said Skye Chataway, International Student Settlement.

Host families are asked to meet the following criteria:

• minimum of one bedroom, with one student per room
• home should be within 45 minutes by transit to the Kelowna campus
• families need to provide "room and board," which includes meals. The students can be expected to prepare their own breakfasts/lunches, but should join the family for dinner

Host families receive remuneration of $850/month. Given the tight timelines, International Education would be open to discussing shorter-term stays in some instances.

"It's a great opportunity for local families to learn about a new culture and explore their home communities through the eyes of a newcomer. We really encourage any OC employees who have the ability to host a student to contact us as soon as possible," said Chataway.

Those interested can call Skye Chataway at extension 4670 or email SChataway@okanagan.bc.ca.