Connect provides a variety of homestay family-types including: retired couples, vegetarian, single professional people, families with children or families with teen-agers.

Students are provided with a private bedroom, bathroom facilities, meals and contact with English-speaking Canadians every day. The host family provides basic information on how to function in Canada such as: how to use the public transportation to go to and from school, where to shop, and how to get to the local library, bank, recreation centre and pharmacy.

We encourage you to book your homestay early so we can match you with a family of your choice.

Before you come to Canada, we will send you detailed information about your homestay family, including photos when possible. We hope that you will contact your homestay family in advance as this will help you get to know them before you arrive.

After you register and pay the Registration Fee, we would be happy to send you a list of great accommodation options for you to consider

Let us explain the differences between the apartment, dormitory and youth hostel:

Youth Hostels: the biggest advantage of staying in a youth hostel is that they are cheap. You can sleep in a bed for between $20 CDN to $30 CDN per night. In Canada, the youth hostel will have up to 10 people in one room. There are some other room options but you need to book well in advance especially during July and August. You will share a bathroom and food is not provided although you might be able to pick up some breakfast in the lobby. The locations of the youth hostels in Toronto are central and close to public transit. The hostels are generally safe but they cannot guarantee any given night the type of person who may enter the hostel. Cleanliness of the space may also be an issue for some individuals. All the hostels recommended by Connect are generally regarded as well-established and safe choices.

Dormitory: there are very few dormitories in Toronto. They operate from the first of May until the middle of August. They offer private rooms and shared kitchens and bathrooms. Some may have air-conditioned rooms. The dormitories are centrally located in Toronto and close to public transportation. Food is not included in the fees however most will offer breakfast in their cafeteria. The dormitories recommended by Connect offer a good security system to ensure your protection. They are safe and clean.

Standard Apartments: there are very few places in Toronto that offer a basic apartment in Toronto. Connect recommends three places but these are booked very quickly. Unfortunately, due to the lack of apartment options in Toronto, the prices have gone up very high in the last three years. Therefore, to stay in a basic, furnished apartment with a kitchen in Toronto will cost between $1600 CDN to $2000 CDN. The apartments are safe and in central locations close to public transportation and Connect. They offer other benefits such as air-conditioning, maid service, telephone service and television. Ideally these apartments are good for couples or a family with a maximum of two children. You will also have to pay a security deposit. Please note : if there are more than 2 people are staying in the apartment, you will have to pay extra for that person.

Basement Apartments: one of the best options available to students is the basement apartment. Many families in Canada renovate their basement into a small apartment with a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Many Canadian students and young people live in these apartments throughout Toronto because they are comfortable and reasonably-priced. We have a number of apartments available which range in price from $600 to $900 per month. You will be expected to pay the first and last month for these apartments and a security deposit. These rooms are private, safe and clean. They are excellent for budget-minded travelers. Usually, couples are accepted but if there are more than 2 people, you may have to spend a little more. As a bonus, some families may even spend some time with you or invite you to dinner.

About Our Placement Fee

We charge a $200 Placement Fee to find and book your accommodation at the apartments, dormitory or youth hostel. The fee must be paid in advance before we make any bookings. We do not charge any extra fees for the accommodation. If possible, we prefer you make the payment directly to the apartment, dormitory or youth hostel.