Guidelines for writing a welcome letter

You will receive a letter and photo from the student who has been placed with your family. It is important for you to prepare a letter of welcome accompanied by one or more photos to be sent back to your student.

There are two reasons why preparing a letter is important. First, it helps the student’s parents know who their son or daughter is going to be staying with. This is reassuring for them. Second, your student will bring small gifts for each family member so it is helpful if they know the age, gender, and interests of the members of your household.

Tips for what to include in your letter

Here are some general guidelines of what to include in your letter:

First, welcome the student to your home and then tell him/her who you are. Give all family member names, ages, and what they do (work, school, etc.) Although we tend to be a little more reserved about giving our age to others in Canada, it is completely acceptable and expected in Japan. You will see that this information is given in the letter from your student.
Next tell the student what your interests are — hobbies, sports, things you typically do in your family. You can combine this by responding to what the student might have said; for example, “We see that you enjoy playing tennis. We also like to play tennis so maybe we can have a game together when you are staying with us.”
You can mention what kind of food the family enjoys eating and ask the student if he/she has any favourite food.
If you have pets, you should tell the student a little bit about them. “We have a dog named Sparky. He is a very friendly Golden Retriever who loves playing with his toys.”
Finally, tell the student that you are looking forward to his/her arrival and wish him/her a safe trip to Canada.

Photos

For your photo(s) try to make them reasonably current and make sure that they include all members of the family who are living at home. Identify each person in the photo so it is clear who they are.

Timing

Please ensure you submit your letter and family photo no later than 2 weeks after you receive your student profile.

Letter and Photo Submission

Please email your letter (preferably in Word format) and photo(s) to colleen@canadianinternational.ca, and copy homestay@canadianinternational.ca.

Programs

"It seems the key to an enjoyable experience is being warm and friendly. We take a grocery shopping trip with them to choose what they like to eat and show that we are interested in listening to them. It is fun learning about their country’s history and the way they live, and even finding their home on Google Maps."

Al and Lorraine Tutti
Homestay Family

"In addition to enjoying the students we continue to host because this program is well run due to good communication, attention to detail and organization. The whole experience has been a pleasure.”

The Fundytus Family
Homestay Family

"Our first student Chikara, who stayed with us in 2009, was quite unique in keeping a correspondence going with us 2-3 times a year. In 2015 he requested a return visit, and came on his own to our home to celebrate his 21st birthday with us. This was so special and rewarding to us."

Al and Lorraine Tutti
Homestay Family

"It has been a great experience hosting Japanese students in our home for the past three summers. We've had the privilege of learning their culture through their examples and photos from home. The highlights were eating unique Japanese pizza, showing them the beauties of the Niagara area, and visiting Ridley College to see the talent show they created during their stay."

Mike and Melissa Nieciecki
Homestay Family

“My host family was very kind and fun. I would like to visit them again!”

Student

“We have been a host family for the past eight years and have enjoyed each and every student. They are wonderful house guests. Our own boys are grown now but we found this to be an educational and enriching experience for them and ourselves also.”

The Fundytus Family
Homestay Family

"With our participation in this program we have made international friends with the students and their families, and hope to someday see them all again. Every child leaves with an invitation to return at any time in the future to visit alone or with families, we keep in contact with most of them."

Alan and Marianna Northeast
Homestay Family

The Fundytus Family
Homestay Family

"Family outings were eagerly enjoyed with our adult children and our grandchildren, such as picnics with outdoor games, swimming and beach time, and even one of our granddaughter’s soccer games."

Al and Lorraine Tutti
Homestay Family

Phone

+1-403-390-3527

Phone

+1-403-390-3527