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Need A Host Family?

GPI has been securing quality host families for long and short term stays for over 15 years. In that time we have accumulated a large database of interested and enthusiastic host families. Please click here to complete our online application form.

Host Family Recruiters
GPI has a number of qualified and experienced Homestay Recruiters. GPI provides recruiters with a comprehensive training manual as well as Recruiter training workshops. In addition, GPI provides on-going training workshops to update recruiters on policy and procedure.

Host Family Qualifications
What makes a great host family? GPI’s criteria for host families as well as some of the characteristics of a great host family are listed below:

• Host Families come in all shapes and sizes. The family you are placed with could be a married couple with children, a childless couple, or a single person.
• All GPI Host Families must provide a clear criminal record check.
• Only English is spoken in the home. The HF may be bilingual, but must agree to speak only English when the student is in their home.
• The Host Family must be able to provide a private room. There must be a bedroom door and curtains or blinds on the windows.
• The Host Family must provide a clean, attractive and safe home environment and provide 3 meals a day.
• Host Families must express religious tolerance and a willingness to cooperate with the student in the practice of their beliefs.
• All family members must be in good health, without physical or mental disabilities that might interfere with hosting responsibilities.

Each time a Host Family is used for a new homestay placement, a home visit is conducted to ensure the accuracy of all information and to re-assess the family/living situation.

GPI requires that each Host Family provides at least 2 non-related references for the family.

Safety of the homestay participant is of the UTMOST importance. GPI takes steps to ensure that potential Host Families are well respected and have the necessary qualities to be a host family. All responsible families understand the need to be screened.

Schedule Of Payments
GPI reserves the right to review each homestay application received and to either accept or reject such application.

Application Deadlines
GPI is to receive application at least 45 days prior to expected date of arrival.

Our Fees Include:The below fee is based on placing students in B.C. Please contact us when you need host family other than BC region. The fee for other regions may vary.

• Carefully screened and personally interviewed host families. All family members 18 years of age and older must supply a criminal record check.
• Separate bedroom in host family home.
• GPI maintains third party liability coverage to $5 million.
• All host families receive an orientation and printed materials.
• Host families provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day of the homestay. Students are expected to learn to prepare their own breakfast and lunch.
• 24-hour support through our toll-free line 1-877-992-1243

Application Fee	$100 (non-refundable)
Placement Fee:	$200 (non-refundable)
Homestay Deposit:	$700 (refundable upon departure)
Homestay Fee:
- 31 days or less:	$28/day per student
- More than 1 month:	$700/month per student
Airport Transfer Fee:	$150/each way (optional service)

Placement Fee and Homestay Deposit must be paid to GPI 6 weeks prior to arrival. Total fees for each participant must be paid in full 7 days prior to the arrival in the GPI Homestay Program.

If the participant leaves the homestay program early, any pre-paid, unused days of the homestay fee will be refunded to the student. Students must give 30 days written notice of departure from the host family. If 30 days notice is not given prior to the student’s departure, the $700 homestay deposit will be kept to pay the host family.

If the participant and/or host family do not get along well together, GPI will provide a replacement family with 2 weeks notice of the request for change. If GPI is required to move the homestay participant more than once, due to the participant’s request, a second placement fee of $200 will apply.

Cancellation Fee: In the event that a homestay participant cancels after GPI receives their homestay application, there is a $300 cancellation fee (the non-refundable application/placement fee) to compensate GPI for the time and cost involved in working on the homestay placement.

Expectations: Homestay participants are expected to keep their room, and any common areas used by the participant, tidy. If any damage is caused by the participant, payment for repairs will be deducted from the homestay deposit. Any remaining funds will be returned to the participant. Homestay participants are expected to provide their own personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

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