In February 2024, Windsor-Essex became the educational destination for dozens of international high school students eager to immerse themselves in ‘Canadian life’ through the MLI Homestay program[^1]. These students, hailing from diverse regions such as Europe, Asia, and South America, arrived at the end of January and are set to stay for durations ranging from three months to a full year[^1].
The program has enrolled the students in two local school boards: the Greater Essex County District School Board and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board[^1]. Their academic pursuits are complemented by a rich cultural exchange, living with host families and engaging in quintessential Canadian activities. This includes enjoying local cuisine, participating in family routines, and exploring extracurriculars like skating, ice fishing, skiing, and hiking—experiences that may be novel to them[^1].
This cohort of 41 students joins an earlier group of 50 who arrived in September 2023, all seeking to understand the day-to-day nuances of life in Canada[^1]. Jodi Andersen, a representative from MLI Homestay, highlighted the importance of these experiences, noting that students learn simple yet culturally significant tasks such as preparing breakfast or making lunch for school, which might differ from their customs back home[^1].
The students have expressed their fondness for Windsor’s unique blend of urban and rural settings, its proximity to the United States, and the welcoming nature of the local school boards’ programs for international students[^1]. To further enrich their Canadian experience, MLI Homestay has organized additional trips, including excursions to New York City and a tour encompassing Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City[^1].
MLI Homestay continues to seek more host families to accommodate additional international students, thereby expanding the cultural bridge between Canada and the world[^1]. Those interested in hosting can find more information through the provided resources[^1].
[^1]: https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/dozens-of-international-students-to-study-in-windsor-to-experience-canadian-life-1.21742670
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/dozens-of-international-students-to-study-in-windsor-to-experience-canadian-life-1.21742670](https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/dozens-of-international-students-to-study-in-windsor-to-experience-canadian-life-1.21742670)
