Host families

Become a host family

Becoming a host family

During the 2024-2025 academic year, LIFPA will host 60 young French people for3-month, 6-month or 11-month mobilities. These young people want to be welcomed into a family to live in a safe environment, improve their English and discover life in Nova Scotia.

Why shouldn't you?

You discover another culture through a young person and introduce them to your own.
This young person is a real asset for your family to share and exchange ideas.
Support your community and promote the beauty and richness of Nova Scotia
Expand your international network of friends, and join the LIFPA host family community!
Win a new family member at heart

What does it take to become a host family?

A single, available room
Internet access
Nutritious meals and snacks (school lunches are provided by LIFPA)
Access to school buses / public transport
Provide an extract from the criminal record

What is expected of families?

Integrate the new member into your family’s daily life, family events, etc.
Enable young guests to experience Canadian/Acadian culture
Talk to him/her in English and support his/her progress in English
Consider the young person as a member of the family. The young person agrees to respect your family’s rules and habits

Who are the young people we welcome?

Students who enroll at LIFPA want to immerse themselves in a predominantly English-speaking environment, discover a different culture and history, while continuing their studies in a well-known system and an ambitious school that will open many doors for them for the rest of their career.

Most of these young people, aged between 12 and 18, come from France and have been interviewed by our France and Europe coordinators. Selected on the basis of their academic records and after a personality study, they can’t wait to get here!

What is the financial aspect of hosting?

LIFPA covers participants’ insurance, health cover and certain school-related expenses (school lunches and transport). A monthly allowance of $800 per young person is paid to the host family.

What's LIFPA's role in hosting?

We are responsible for the students we place with families. LIFPA, through a dedicated person, is there to guide families through the enrolment procedure and accompany them during the student’s stay (before arrival, on arrival), with a monthly update and daily availability if needed. LIFPA takes care of students’ schooling and related needs.

A dedicated coordinator in Halifax

On site in Halifax
Present from registration to departure.
Dedicated support throughout your stay
Answers all your questions
Facilitates the student’s arrival, is present if translation or mediation is required.
In contact with the student every day at LIFPA, individual monthly review with you
Ongoing support

A European coordinator

A team that listens and is available.
Knows the student and follows his/her needs within the school.
If you need further urgent assistance, a 24/7 hotline is available.

The different stages in becoming a host family

#1 : Fill in the form
#2: Form completed, submitted and validated: the homestay coordinator will arrange a meeting with members of your family (living under the same roof) and a visit to your home. This will be an opportunity to review the elements required for reception and answer any questions you may have.
#3: All family members over 18 living in the same household as the student must undergo a criminal record "check".

Once these steps have been validated, we’ll work together to find a student who matches your profile. Once your choice has been confirmed, you can get to know the new member of your family via a dedicated 30-minute video that we host.