Natural parents or natural families refers to the parents or legal guardians of the international student that will travel and reside in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Newfoundland International Student Education Program.
For over 15 years, we have helped bring students out of their comfort zone, strengthen their English language skills, and immerse themselves in Canadian culture. We welcome more than 250 students annually from over 30 countries, and stand as the largest and most culturally diverse International Education Program in the province. We understand the process, the questions and concerns that natural parents may have, and how to match students with the best host families possible. Allow us to guide you through the process!
Student Requirements
A NISEP student should be open-minded of their new surroundings and NL’s culture, respectful of their host family and teachers, and excited about the possibilities that await them here. Students will be screened by their education agency with whom we partner, to assess their suitability for our program. An interview over Zoom may be arranged between NISEP and the student. We accept students from all over the world who are in good academic standing in their home country’s school.
Students in our Homestay program will be placed in an age-appropriate grade level. They should be:
- At least 13 years old.
- No more than 18 years old.
*Students younger than 13 will usually be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
When packing for their stay, students should bring along any important personal items, including a laptop. We recommend packing plenty of clothing, including seasonal items – however, there are lots of places to shop on the island too! A mobile phone is not required, but most international students bring theirs from home and purchase a sim card for use locally.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your educational consultant. If you do not have one, we can recommend a reputable agency in your area. Contact Jeanette Gosse in Admissions by e-mail at jeanette.gosse@nisep.ca
Safety
Host Family
When you choose to become a NISEP student, you will be matched with a host family. They will welcome you into their home for the duration of your studies in Newfoundland and Labrador. We accept families of all shapes and sizes – they may have children of their own, they may be single parents, or have no children at all. They will be responsible for your care, introduce you to their culture and customs, and treat you as part of the family. We take our time to match students with host families that share their interests and goals, so the experience will be rewarding for everyone involved.
Through our Homestay Program, an experienced homestay coordinator will monitor students throughout their stay and provide support to both students and host families.
We don’t choose families for this role without serious consideration. All host families must submit an extensive application to their Homestay Coordinator and be interviewed in their homes before they are accepted into the program. This also includes a criminal records check and a vulnerable sector check for anyone living in the home over the age of 18.
To learn more about the requirements of a host family, or if you’re interested in becoming a host, visit here.
Insurance
Providing a safe and comfortable stay for all students is our top priority, and we take every necessary precaution to ensure that. However, accidents can happen anywhere. This is why we provide health insurance through Guard.me – one of the world’s leading insurance providers in international education.
Students will be given the full details regarding their coverage upon arrival in Newfoundland, but if you’d like to learn more about Guard.me and their policies, please visit: https://www.guard.me/
Benefits for Students
Experience an entirely new world and immerse yourself in Newfoundland’s environment, traditions, language, and more. Our hope is that through mutual learning and teaching, students will make lifelong memories during their stay, and forge lasting relationships that reach across the globe. Every student has a unique perspective to offer, and we encourage you to share as much or as little about your own culture, customs, and traditions as you’re comfortable with. Your host family is just as interested to learn about your world as they are to show you theirs!
Students will take home much more than photographs and souvenirs after studying in Newfoundland and Labrador. The life experiences and knowledge they gain will have lasting, positive impacts long after their stay, such as:
- Self-reliance and maturity.
- Broadened cultural awareness.
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- See your own culture through a new lens.
- Discover new foods, hobbies, and interests.
- Meet and befriend a diverse range of people.
- Expanded post-secondary and employment options.
- Improved memory and English language comprehension.
Broaden your horizons, apply to be a NISEP student today!
