Homestay Accommodation
Become a Host Family
Staying in Victoria
inlingua Victoria College of Languages has our very own in-house Homestay Coordinator to provide timely and professional support to our students!
- Private rooms and shared rooms
- Close and easy commute to downtown
- Meet multi-cultural families, challenge yourself in new ways
- Practice your English in the real world
- Fast, professional, and personalized
- Friendly, warm, and caring homestays
- Live in beautiful Victoria, BC
- Make long-lasting friendships
- Experience Canada’s multiculturalism and Canadian culture!
We guarantee your stay to be a language and cultural learning adventure! As we know, Homestay is much more than a place to sleep and eat. We want our students integrating and involving themselves with their Canadian hosts, to get the most out of the homestay and language learning experience.
Why Homestay?
All inlingua Victoria homestays are inspected by our team to ensure our standards of top quality, cleanliness, and comfort are always met. Homestays are also selected with convenience and safety in mind. Most families are conveniently located in a short distance to the downtown core and within 30-45 minutes away and we check the families’ criminal records and get to know them before we match you to a family! All homes provide internet free of charge so you can stay in touch with family and friends conveniently at no additional expense. Since Canada is a multicultural country, you will get to meet other students from all over the world and experience not only Canadian culture, but other cultures as well. Many students who have lived with a host family stay connected with the family for years. Staying with a host family can create long-lasting friendships and improve your everyday English skills! Come join the ranks of the many thousands before who have experienced living and studying in beautiful Victoria!
Accommodation Alternatives
Other Options for Living in Victoria
Victoria is a beautiful city to live in. As inlingua Victoria does not have student residences, on-campus housing or dormitories, most students live in Homestay. Other options are:
Renting in Victoria
Students who live off-campus are generally renting an apartment, condo, basement suite or room in a shared house. Shared accommodations (with roommates) will usually have lower costs as expenses are shared. Rental accommodation prices range from $900 to over $2,000 per month. This can be a good option for students who are looking for more independence and privacy. Many of these rentals come furnished and utilities included.
Hostels: Hostels are another affordable option for students. These are dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms and common areas. Hostels typically have a communal kitchen and lounge area, and some even offer private rooms.
Hotels: For students who prefer more luxurious accommodation, Victoria has a variety of hotels and resorts that offer comfortable and modern amenities. These can be more expensive than other options, but can be a good choice for students who prefer more privacy or want to be closer to downtown Victoria.
Regardless of your choice, it is important to research and compare different options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. It’s also important to book early, as accommodations fill up quickly during the school year.
Temporary Accommodation
Where can I stay once I arrive in Canada?
Hotels
Please visit Tourism Victoria or Hello BC for detailed information about Victoria hotels.
Please note that some Victoria hotels offer special rates for long-stays of one week, one month, one semester or longer. You can ask hotels if they have special rates for “long-stay” or “extended stay”.
Private short-term accommodation
These include vacation rentals, sublets, private rooms, bed and breakfasts. There are several Victoria residents who rent a room or suite in their homes for short-term visitors. Some websites that list this type of accommodation include:
Hostels
Some international students prefer to stay in inexpensive accommodation offered at hostels.
Please Note:
inlingua Victoria does not have student dormitories.
Students are responsible for upholding the standards of the community, including adherence to city bylaws regarding issues like parking, noise, waste disposal and collection, and community safety.
inlingua Victoria does not assume any responsibility for agreements made between students and landlords.
Disclaimer: The external links on this page are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by inlingua Victoria of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. inlingua Victoria bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Become a Host Family
Host Family Requirements
Hosting students is very simple. Your role as a host family is all about creating a cozy and welcoming environment. Your main tasks are as easy as providing three meals a day – breakfast is a self-service and many host families give leftovers for lunch.
We also encourage you to share a dinner together when you can. It’s not a formal affair; it’s about creating a friendly space for cultural exchange and connection.
Remember, students are here for more than just a room – they’re looking for an immersive experience.
Your everyday routines, conversations, and customs make all the difference in helping them feel at home. It’s not as challenging as it may seem; it’s about sharing a bit of your life and making a new friend.
At inlingua Victoria, we believe in the magic of everyday connections. If you can share a meal, ask them about their day, and maybe even play some board games or watch a movie together when you can, you’re creating the kind of welcoming environment that transforms a homestay into a memorable experience.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my English level is too low- how will I communicate with my host family?
Our host families are very experienced and understanding, so your English level should not be a problem. However, some of the hosts speak other languages, and we could match you with the family who speaks your language.
I have allergies. Can I still do homestay?
Yes, we can find a family who can accommodate your needs and understand that you have allergies. .
I’m a celiac/ vegetarian/ vegan/ pescatarian /lactose-intolerant etc. Can I still do homestay?
Of course! We can find a family who is understanding and accommodating towards your dietary needs.
I practice a religion in which I need to attend a church/ synagogue/ mosque/ temple etc. Where can I go?
Your host family will be understanding and there are many places of worship in Greater Victoria and the surrounding areas.
Will I be picked up from the airport?
Yes! Your host family or our school staff can help you to get to your homestay.
How will I get to school?
You can take buses to get to school. Our school is in the heart of downtown Victoria, so it is very easy to get here!
Will my homestay have internet?
Yes, your host family will provide Wi-Fi at no expense.
Will I live by myself or will there be another student in the house?
This depends on the host family. You could be staying by yourself, or you could have another student. There may also be host family members who are around your age!
What do I do if there is an issue with my host family?
If you have questions or problems, you can always talk to our homestay coordinator.