Friendship Families | Host Info
How it Works
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Sign Up for Friendship Families
Pick a date that works for you, your family or community!
We ask that there is a minimum of two individuals hosting. We love to hear about families joining together to host, hosting as a small group or adding others from your community to the table as well!
Please fill out your registration form below to get started!
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Connect with Students
You will be informed of your students, as soon as your table is full or a week before your event. It is up to you to contact your student at least 3 days before event to coordinate timing, transportation, and dietary restrictions.
A few things to know:
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Each meal will include a minimum of 2 students
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It is important to clarify if a student is expecting to bring their spouse and child(ren)
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Transportation is to be provided by your host, but not all students accept it.
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We ask that hosts provide proper accommodations for dietary restrictions. If you need support on what dishes to prepare, please feel free to email us
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Enjoy a Holiday Meal
While you are opening your home to share Canadian traditions with international students, it’s also important to embrace the opportunity for a cultural exchange by learning about their cultures as well.
Canada is Unique
In Canada, we celebrate a wide range of cultural holidays—many of which bring people together around food and shared traditions.
We also know that Canada is a big, beautifully diverse country, and that traditions can look different depending on your region, background, and family. You might be an immigrant yourself or a second-generation Canadian, meaning your holiday meals may reflect your own cultural roots—and that’s something we fully celebrate!
Every table will be unique, and that’s part of the experience. We simply ask that you’re mindful of your guests’ dietary needs—whether that means preparing a halal turkey or adding an extra dish for vegetarian guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. When does the Friendship Families program occur?
We ask hosts to open their home for one meal during the holiday season. For Easter and Thanksgiving, hosting takes place over the holiday weekend (Friday–Monday). For Christmas, hosting opportunities are available throughout the full two-week holiday period.
As a host, you can select your preferred date and time to welcome international students into your home.
2. Can you tell me about the international students I will get?
Although we’re not able to provide specific details about the international students who will join you at your table right away, you will receive a detailed list at least one week before your hosting date. This will include their names, country of origin, area of study, and any dietary restrictions.
What we can share is that there are nearly 1 million international students from more than 150 countries enrolled in colleges and universities across Canada. Their studies may take anywhere from two to six years—or longer—yet many are never invited into a Canadian home during their time here.
Many of these students are participating in exchange programs or pursuing master’s or PhD degrees. They may sometimes feel lonely or homesick, and due to the significant investment required to study in Canada, many also experience considerable pressure to succeed.
3. Can I host with my Friends and Family?
Yes — they are welcome! We ask that you host with a minimum of two individuals, but find it beneficial to have international students join in with your family dinner or community group! It is always easier to host, when you have others to help carry the conversation!
4. When will I hear about the international students join us?
You will receive information as soon as your table is full, or at minimum 5 business days before your event.
5. Do I have to provide transportation?
Yes. To help ensure your safety and comfort, host families are asked to provide transportation. Not all students will require this, as some may have their own vehicles or prefer to make their own way.
A common approach among hosts is to arrange a single pick-up location (such as a university) and then drive each student home individually after the event. Ultimately, it is up to you as the host to decide how you would like to provide transportation.
6. Can I share photos or experiences from our time together?
Absolutely! We simply ask that you check with your students before sharing any photos on social media, as some may be from countries with political sensitivities or restrictions and may prefer not to be publicly identifiable.
7. Who should I contact if I have questions or need to make changes?
If you have any questions, updates, or need to make changes after registering, please contact: info@helpinginternationalstudents.com
Let's Get Started
Select a City and Register to Host!
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Video Resources
Making Conversations
Cooking Halal & Vegetarian
Sarah
This past Easter, I had the joy of hosting a couple of international students alongside another family from our church. It turned out to be such a meaningful and special experience! Everyone was truly blessed by the time together, and the other family kept expressing how grateful they were for the opportunity to share a holiday meal and build relationships with international students.
Jim
I am grateful for HIS for enabling people like us to make an impact in these students lives and for His kingdom. May God continue to bless you and your families this year!
Jo & Michelle
We love discovering so many interesting things about our students’ home countries through these visits. Hosting international students has been such a rewarding experience, and every conversation brings new perspectives, traditions, and stories into our home.