While studying at St. John Learning Centre, you may wish to stay with a Canadian family in the community. Living with a Canadian family gives you the opportunity to practice English outside of the classroom and learn about Canadian life and culture. Families in Canada take many forms. Some families are single parents; some are two-parent families. You may find that some host families have children, while some do not. Many Canadian families have pets (mainly cats and dogs) who are often treated as part of the family. Pets often live indoors due to our Canadian weather.

In your homestay accommodations, you will have your own bedroom and your host will provide you with linens for your bed. You will be able to use most of the rooms in the house. We will send you a description of your host family before you depart for Canada. Your host family will discuss its expectations with you when you arrive.

Your homestay does not include transportation. Our suggestion is that you purchase a monthly bus pass ($70.00) which will allow you to use the bus as often as you wish. We are fortunate to have a very good bus system in St. Catharines. You should also bring your own personal grooming items such as toothbrush, hairbrush, hairdryer, etc.

You can choose accommodations with or without meals. If you choose accommodations without meals, you will have to buy and cook your own food. If you choose accommodations with meals, you will be provided with three meals per day, including a packed lunch.

Homestay with meals will cost you $650.00 per month. Homestay without meals will cost you $400.00 per month. In order to secure a home you must send us your application form and the registration fee of $200.00, which is paid only ONCE.

If you are interested in homestay accommodations, please fill out the Homestay Application Form and send it to us with your deposit.

OTHER COSTS YOU MAY INCUR

You will likely need a bus pass for transportation around the city. A city bus pass is about $70.00 per month for unlimited use of the bus system.

There are many sites to see and cities to visit close to Niagara. Many students travel to Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal and New York City while studying in Niagara. Occasionally the school organizes these trips during special programs at an additional cost. Many students also make their own travel plans during the school holidays or after they have finished studying.