Okanagan Adventist Academy




 
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Expectations
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Expectations and Rules

OKAA International Program has standard expectations of its host families.

These include:

  • Provide each student with a key to the house.
  • Only English is spoken when the student is present.
  • Include the student in all family activities.
  • Help students to adjust to the Canadian life and explain the customs in their home.
  • Help with with checklists: bus routes, library cards, Medicare, etc.
  • Assist the student to make appointments to see a medical doctor and dentist if needed.
  • Assist with transportation if needed.
  • Inform the student if they will be away for a meal.
  • Provide appropriate supervision for the student.
  • Treat the student with respect and tolerance.
  • Ensure that the student is not required to baby-sit.
  • Contact the OKAA International Program Homestay Coordinator if difficulties arise.
  • Meet with the Coordinator and student to work towards resolving issues.
  • Upon accepting the student, inform the Coordinator of any plans to be away from the home during the student's homestay period.

YOUR NEW FAMILY

Your host family will be as interested to meet you as you are to meet them. They understand your feelings about moving into a new home. You might want to tell them about your family, friends, school and pets. You can ask your host family about their hobbies, sports and other interests.

SPEAKING WITH YOUR HOST

If you have trouble speaking English with your host family, do not give up! It is normal to have trouble communicating at the beginning. If you use every possible opportunity to speak with your hosts, conversations in English will become easier each day.

HOUSE RULES

You should ask your host family about their house rules at the beginning of your visit. You will feel more comfortable if you know what is expected of you. Some standard house rules are: no drinking, no smoking, no drugs and English only. Students are asked to keep their room clean and will be required to make their own beds each day. Students are also asked to help with dishes at dinner times and clean up after having snacks at night. Please phone the host family if you miss the bus and are going to be late.

VACATIONS & HOLIDAYS

Students may take short vacations from their host family with their parent's consent. If they request a vacation the following conditions must be met:

  • Vacations must be requested at least one week in advance.
  • All requests for vacations must be in written form. Oral requests will not be considered.
  • A fax from the student's parents must be provided giving their permission for the student's vacation request.

If the host family takes a holiday during the school year and if the student chooses to accompany the host family, the student will be expected to pay for travel and personal expenses and the host family to pay for accommodations (be consistent) and food. If the student does not choose to accompany the family on such holidays, a temporary homestay arrangement must be made that is approved by the OKAA International Program Homestay Coordinator. An adjustment of the monthly fee will be transferred to the temporary homestay.

EMERGENCIES

In the British Columbia, you can obtain fast emergency assistance by dialing 911 on the telephone. 911 gives you direct access to the fire department, police department, and ambulances. All emergencies should be reported to the staff of OKAA International Program. Service is available in most languages