Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find the answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you still can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please contact us and we will gladly help you!

We pride ourselves on our rich and diverse educational program, and have welcomed applications from students around the world! We have also seen a variety of families open their homes to new experiences. So, if you’re interested in broadening your horizons as a student or a host, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Learn more about becoming a host family or becoming a student.

Safety and comfort for every student is our top priority, which is why all host families are carefully screened prior to approval. This includes an in-home interview and a criminal record check for anyone living in the home over the age of 18. 

NISEP students will feel right at home with their own private bedroom, a desk/workspace, a comfortable bed and linens, nutritious meals and snacks, access to the family’s wireless internet connection, and full use of the household. 

Under federal law, NISEP is not authorized to assist students with visa or study permit applications. However, we will connect you to the ones who can! 

Students will be welcomed at the airport by their assigned Homestay Coordinator and their host family. 

All NISEP host families are conveniently located on a bus route to their school! Some host families provide transportation to and from school as well. 

  • Students living in the Eastern Region should travel to St. John’s International Airport (YYT). 
  • Students living in the Central Region should travel to Gander International Airport (YXQ). 
  • Students living in the Western Region should travel to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF). 

All students are provided health insurance through Guard.me. Students will be provided the full details regarding their coverage upon arrival in Newfoundland, but if you’d like to learn more, please visit: https://www.guard.me/ 

NISEP assigns each student a Homestay Coordinator for the duration of their stay, to address any concerns the student or the host family may have. The Homestay Coordinator will be there for the student and host family to address any concerns that may arise, and support students in whatever way they need to succeed. 

NISEP host families do their best to accommodate students’ dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free diets.

Yes, host families will receive $875 per month to help with the additional costs of caring for a student. To learn more about the benefits of being a host, click here. 

Students should bring their own clothing and personal items including a laptop. Seasonal clothing can also be brought from home or can be purchased locally. A mobile phone is not required, but most international students bring theirs from home and purchase a sim card for use locally. 

We are among the least expensive programs for tuition and homestay in Canada, all the while offering a world-class education. Our costs include tuition and textbooks, a private bedroom and meals, medical insurance, and school-bus transportation for qualified students. For more information, please speak with your education consultant. 

If you’d like a referral to a qualified agency in your area, please contact Jeanette Gosse in Admissions by e-mail at jeanette.gosse@nisep.ca. 

NISEP allows parents and families to visit their child no less than three months after beginning school in the province, however some educational partners do not. Please check with your education consultant to confirm their regulations. Parents and other visitors who are permitted must make their own accommodation arrangements at a hotel.