KITIMAT, B.C. – As Kitimat’s global profile continues to rise, its international student program is experiencing a surge in popularity, but this success has created a critical challenge: an urgent shortage of local families to host students for the upcoming school year.
The Coast Mountains School District 82 (CMSD82), which runs the international education program, is making a public appeal for new host families in Kitimat. Dozens of students from around the world are set to arrive in late August to attend Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School (MEMSS), but a significant number have not yet been placed in a local home.
Program coordinators say that interest in studying in Kitimat has never been higher, attributing the growth to the town’s reputation as a safe, welcoming community with strong schools, combined with the global attention from major industrial projects.
However, this increased demand is colliding with Kitimat’s notoriously tight housing market, making it more difficult than ever to find families with available space. Without a place to live, the placements for these prospective students could be in jeopardy.
“The international program is a wonderful opportunity for both the students and our community,” said a district representative. “It brings new cultures and perspectives to our schools, and creates lifelong connections. But it simply cannot work without the generosity of local families.”
The school district is now hoping to bridge the gap by encouraging residents to consider the rewarding experience of becoming a host, often called a “homestay family.”
What’s Involved in Hosting a Student?
The primary role of a host family is to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming English-speaking environment. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing a private, furnished bedroom.
- Serving three healthy meals a day.
- Offering inclusion in family life and conversations.
In recognition of the costs and commitment, the school district provides host families with a generous monthly stipend to offset expenses.
For many families, the biggest reward is the cultural exchange. Hosting a student offers a unique chance to learn about another country, share Canadian culture, and build a lasting international friendship.
With students scheduled to arrive in just over a month, the need is immediate. Families interested in learning more about the homestay program are urged to contact the Coast Mountains School District 82 International Education Program for more information.
Families interested in hosting can apply at: http://international.cmsd.bc.ca
