During your stay in Toronto, you will live with a carefully selected Canadian host family through the CES Homestay Program. Homestay is a great opportunity to experience Canadian culture, practice your English every day, and become part of a welcoming family environment. Many host families live in residential neighbourhoods across Toronto, and students may travel up to one hour to school using public transportation.  

Your Room

Your bedroom will be private and fully furnished with:

• A bed

• A desk and lamp

• Storage space or closet for clothing and belongings

Your host family will provide items such as bed sheets, pillows, towels, and basic hand soap.

Amenities

Laundry facilities and detergent are included in your homestay stay. Students are usually responsible for washing their own clothes and should understand how to use the machines properly. Laundry is normally done once a week and only with a full load to help conserve energy. 

Meals

Your host family will provide three meals per day. Canadian-style meals may be different from food in your home country, and students are encouraged to communicate food preferences or allergies with their host family.

Typical meal arrangements include:

• Students usually prepare their own breakfast and lunch

• Lunches often include a sandwich, fruit, and a drink

• Dinner is usually the main meal of the day and is eaten with the family

Transport

Public transport, the TTC,  in Toronto is safe, reliable and very regular. It is popular with young people and widely used.

Toronto’s public transportation system, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), is safe, reliable, and widely used by students. The TTC includes subways, buses, and streetcars. PRESTO cards are used to pay fares and can be purchased at subway stations or Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

OISE, where students will have their classes, is very well connected to Toronto’s public transit network. The OISE building is located directly above St. George Subway Station, allowing students to access the school directly from the station without needing to go outside. This makes travelling to and from school easy and convenient in all weather conditions.

Many local buses also stop nearby on Bloor Street and Harbord Street, providing easy access to different areas of Toronto and the University of Toronto campus.