THUNDER BAY — MLI Homestay is welcoming international high school students from different areas of Europe, Asia and South America in many communities across Canada, including new students coming to Thunder Bay – but the organization is looking for host families.
For the upcoming 2024-25 school year, Lakehead Public Schools anticipates over 30 international high school students arriving in September for short or longer terms and another group arriving in February for the second term.
Only 13 students arriving in September are matched with hosts, and MLI is asking the community for help finding 18-20 hosts.
“Welcoming international students in Thunder Bay offers a uniquely enriching opportunity for cultural interchange and lasting bonds,” said Nissa Francisco, student care supervisor for Thunder Bay.
“Through our partnership with Lakehead Public Schools' international student program, more families can delight in the experience of hosting students from various corners of the globe, sharing diverse traditions, and forging enduring relationships.”
A large part of the experience international students wish for while in Canada is participating in “Canadian Life” with their host family.
This includes enjoying various foods they have heard or read about, participating in the weekly family routine, and extracurricular activities that they may not have at home, such as skating, ice fishing, skiing, hiking through a forest, or even going to a local supermarket.
"Hosting international students in Thunder Bay is an incredibly special experience that fosters cultural exchange and creates lifelong connections. As the international student program at Lakehead Public Schools continues to grow, more families have the chance to embrace the joy of welcoming students from around the world into their homes, sharing diverse cultures, and creating cherished memories,” said Steven Johnson from Lakehead Public Schools.
The international student program continues to grow in Thunder Bay, with the biggest challenge being finding hosts to accommodate them.
MLI is looking for fun and welcoming hosts for students arriving for short or longer stays. Hosts are required to include students in their home lives, provide a private bedroom with a bed, desk, and window, access to a bathroom, and provide three meals a day.
Hosts are fairly compensated per month to take care of students’ basic needs. MLI has local coordinators in Thunder Bay for support.
Visit www.mlihomestay.com for more information.
