Carrie van Vliet
Homestay Coordinator
Hello, I'm Carrie, the Homestay Co-ordinator, and everyone's "mom". I'm a
"native Canadian" and almost a native Calgarian, having lived in Calgary for more
than 40 years. Arie and I have been hosting students ourselves for almost 20 years,
even longer if you count many years of hosting just summer students from Japan and Mexico.
The experience has greatly enriched our lives, and we've made many wonderful friends
in different countries.
We like to think of Homestay Calgary as an extension of our own home and family, and
our goal is to make sure that every student gets a warm welcome, a kind family, and has
an amazing, fun-filled experience here in our friendly city. When problems arise, as they
do on occasion in any family situation, we hope both our students and our families feel free
to contact us at any time. Even if we cannot solve the problem, we always provide a listening
ear, and sometimes that's all it takes.
Our students/workers/immigrants often keep in touch, even after they've moved on from
homestay to apartments or share houses, and we continue to include them in the many activities
we arrange to enrich their Canadian cultural experience. We think of each and every one of you
as "our kids", no matter what your age is, marital status, or purpose in coming to Canada, you're
all most welcome at Homestay Calgary!
