Find ​A Safe​ and Caring Homestay in ​Alberta

Alberta Homestay Organization (AHO) ​connects international students with welcoming Alberta host families through personal care, local experience, and trusted matching. 

Why Trust AHO

AHO is a recently established Alberta-based non-profit organization founded by a former international student and experienced homestay host. Our mission is to connect international students with welcoming Alberta host families and promote safe, supportive, and meaningful homestay experiences.

  • Former International Student

Our founder arrived in Alberta from China in 2001 as an international student pursuing a PhD. Having experienced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment, we understand what international students need to feel at home.

  • Experienced Homestay Host

AHO was founded by someone who has personally hosted international students in Alberta. We understand the expectations, responsibilities, and challenges involved in creating a positive homestay experience for both students and host families.

  • Deep Alberta Family & Education Experience

In more than two decades in Alberta, our founder has built a professional career, raised two children through Alberta's education system from Kindergarten to university, and gained firsthand knowledge of local communities, schools, and family life.

  • Focus on Living Quality, Safety and Support

We encourage hosts to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive home environment.  We believe healthy, nutritious meals are important for the well-being and development of young students.  

AHO encourages open communication and works to support both students and host families throughout the homestay experience.

  • Personal Matching Process

We take time to understand the needs, preferences, and expectations of both students and host families. Our goal is to create compatible matches that lead to comfortable living arrangements and meaningful cultural exchange. 

Meet the Founder, Dr. Fagang Gu

I came to Alberta from China in 2001 to pursue my PhD at the University of Alberta. Like many international students, I had to adapt to a new culture, a new education system, a new community, and a different way of life.

Over the past two decades, Alberta has become my home. I have built my professional career here, raised two sons from kindergarten through university, and gained firsthand experience as a homestay host.

These experiences have given me a unique perspective. I understand both sides of a homestay: the hopes and concerns of an international student and host family, and the responsibilities of an Alberta host family.

I created AHO because I believe a homestay should be more than simply a room and meals. It should be a safe, welcoming home where students can feel supported, experience Canadian life, and build meaningful relationships with their host families. 

My goal is simple: to help international students feel at home in Alberta, while helping local families experience the rewards of cultural exchange.

— Dr. Fagang Gu 

Founder, Alberta Homestay Organization

 Read My Story →
2001

Arrived in Alberta as an international student

Since 2001

Living, working & raising a family in Alberta

 Homestay Experience 

Experienced Alberta homestay host

How AHO Works

Apply → Discuss Needs → Match with Host → Move In

Every student and host family is unique. AHO takes a personalized approach to help create successful and comfortable homestay matches.

For Students

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete our online form and tell us about your school, arrival date,  dietary preferences, and accommodation needs. 

Step 2：Discuss Your Needs 

We review your information and communicate with you to better understand your expectations and preferences. 

Step 3：Match With a Host Family 

We carefully match you with a host family based on lifestyle, location, interests, and accommodation requirements. 

Step 4：Confirm and Move In 

Once both sides agree, we confirm the placement and help you prepare for your arrival in Alberta.

For Host Families

Step 1：Apply to Become a Host

Tell us about your household, available rooms, family members, lifestyle, and hosting preferences. 

Step 2：Home Review and Visit

We review your application and discuss your home environment to ensure a positive homestay experience. We will visit your home and meet with your family members and take some photos.

Step 3：Student Matching

We introduce students whose needs and expectations are compatible with your family and hosting style.

Step 4：Welcome Your Student

Prepare for your student's arrival and begin a rewarding cultural exchange experience.

What You Can Expect From an AHO Host Family

AHO host families have these five features.

❤️​ Caring

Welcomes students with kindness and patience.

💬 ​Communicative

Encourages open and respectful communication.

🌍 Open-minded

Enjoys learning about different cultures and perspectives.

🏡 ​Responsible

Provides a safe, clean, and comfortable home environment.

🤝 ​​Supportive

Helps students adjust to life in Alberta while respecting their independence.

Our Commitment

🛡️ ​Safe Home

We promote homestay environments that are safe, respectful, and supportive for both students and host families.

🏡 ​High Quality Living

We encourage comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals, and positive daily living experiences that help students succeed.

🌎 ​Cultural Exchange  

We believe homestay creates opportunities for meaningful cultural understanding, friendship, and personal growth.