Kitimat faces shortage of host families for growing international student program

The Coast Mountains School District’s International Student Program is expanding steadily, but organisers warn that a shortage of host families in Kitimat could prevent more students from being placed in the community.

“I have no idea why we’re not getting more families. We go to the fairs, put up posters and all the usual stuff, but we’re just not getting calls. I don’t know what more I can do to get the word out,” said Joe Dominguez, the program’s administrator.

Dominguez spoke before council on June 23, encouraging councillors to help raise awareness of the urgent need for host families. He said that although the program could have accommodated 10 students in Kitimat this year, only three will attend Mount Elizabeth Secondary School due to housing shortages.

Launched three years ago, the program first hosted 14 students from Brazil, Chile and Vietnam. It has since grown to 28 participants from across the globe, including Germany, China, India and Switzerland. Next year’s intake is expected to reach 34 students, but so far, only two host families have been confirmed in Kitimat.

“The activities we love, why we live where we live—I want other people to experience that,” said Dominguez. “The benefit for host families is the cultural exchange experience. Not everyone is able to explore the world, but this brings the world to us.”

Host families receive $1,100 per month to help with basic living expenses. Dominguez said applicants must offer a private room, be welcoming, and pass a home inspection and criminal record check. “They just need to be welcoming and open-minded in learning about another culture,” he added.

Beyond cultural enrichment, the program provides economic benefits to the community as a whole. In its second year, international students generated an estimated $915,000 in local spending, with the school district allocating about $313,000 to host family support alone. Dominguez also plans to place four Brazilian students in Kitimat in January as part of a mid-year intake.

He said he hopes to have enough families to host 15 students in Kitimat at any given time.

“Our mission is to provide a rich cultural and educational experience that empowers our diverse students to achieve academic excellence, excel in sports, and develop into compassionate global citizens,” he said.

Councillor Terry Marleau, who previously hosted students, praised the program’s long-term community benefits. “I’ve seen the benefits to these kids and the community. We had a couple of boys from France and Germany and they’ve returned twice with their families over the years.”

Councillor Mario Feldhoff also reflected on personal family ties to student exchange. Dominguez said similar outcomes have emerged from the local program, including two students who have stayed in British Columbia for post-secondary studies and another who hopes to return to the region as a surgeon.

“They love how welcoming we are, as Canadians, and they love the natural beauty,” he said.

Marleau requested that municipal staff look into promoting the program on the district’s website. While council received the presentation for information, Dominguez said recruitment efforts will continue in hopes of securing more families in time for the next school year.

Families interested in hosting can learn more or apply at: