The Halton District School Board is looking for families in Milton to host international students for the upcoming school year. The board has partnered with the Canada Homestay Network to find local homes for students arriving in September 2026.
The program, which has been in place since 2002, serves international students from grades one through 12. These students are currently enrolled in schools across the region, which is often recognized as one of the safest places to live in Canada. While the school board supports approximately 380 international students, there is a consistent need for new host homes to accommodate incoming youth.
Families who volunteer to host will provide a private bedroom equipped with a desk and closet, three nutritious meals each day, access to laundry, and WiFi. In return for providing a supportive environment, hosts receive training, ongoing support, and a monthly stipend to help cover expenses. The organization notes that some students stay for shorter periods of three to four months, which may be a good option for families who want to host but are unable to commit for the full school year.
To help residents learn more about the process, virtual information sessions are being held via Microsoft Teams. Each session runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 30, April 21, and May 14, 2026. Interested community members can attend any of these sessions to ask questions and find out how to get involved.
Hosting is part of the broader effort to support international education within the district. Schools in Milton, such as Craig Kielburger Secondary School, attract students from around the world who are looking to participate in specialized programs like the International Baccalaureate. These students pay tuition fees of $17,575 for a full year or $8,787.50 per semester, contributing to the diversity of the local school system.
