August 27, 2014

Medicine Hat College International Education is in critical need of about 15 homestay family placements for students arriving for the fall semester.  Housing is only needed for one semester.  Shelley Gingrich, interim manager of international education, says “the need was created by a number of factors- one of which was strong enrolment from our partner institutions in Korea, Japan and China.”

Gingrich hopes that the community will consider opening their homes and families to international students to ease this semester’s housing crunch.

“I encourage people to think of this as much more than room and board,” she says. “Our host families provide a private room, three meals a day, and access to the amenities of a home and family. Families also participate in the language and cultural learning that makes the college experience special for international students.”

Families receive $600/month compensation to cover food, transportation support as required, and the other incidental costs that will arise. A police check is required for every member of the host family over the age of 18.