The Sea to Sky School District is scrambling to find families to take 10 international students in the Whistler area for upcoming school year.
“Kids who apply to Whistler apply a year in advance, and we were hoping that we would be able to ascertain the right amount of homestays by now, and to be blunt, we’re short,” said Faizel Rawji, the head of international education.
The school district pays families $1,250 for each student that they take care of.
Families can take in up to two students, so long as they have separate bedrooms.
The kids who are currently in need of homestay families will be going to Whistler Secondary School when classes start.
“We’re looking for people who will take care of these kids and feed them,” Rawji said.
“I’ve met them — fantastic kids.”
Rawji said families often become good friends with the children they take in, and that it’s a great way to get to know other cultures.
Those interested are asked to contact the school board offices at https://sd48seatosky.org/
But the school district isn't the only one looking to help students find a home.
An independent contractor, MLI Homestay, says 17 male Japanese international students need a home to stay in Squamish from Jul 29 to Aug. 11.
Families who host the kids will receive $585, and can apply at [email protected] for more information.
***This story has been corrected to clarify that MLI is an independent contractor
