Alberta Homestay Organization (AHO) was founded by Dr. Fagang Gu to connect international students with welcoming Alberta host families through personal care, local experience, and trusted matching.
I arrived in Alberta from China in September 2001 as an international student pursuing my PhD at The University of Alberta. Like many international students, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, climate, and educational environment. During those early years, I learned how important a supportive community and a welcoming home can be for a student's success and well-being.
Over the following years, Alberta became my home. I built my professional career, raised two children through Alberta's education system from kindergarten to university, and gained a deep appreciation for the people and communities that make this province a great place to live.
Later, I also had the opportunity to serve as a homestay host and experienced firsthand the value of cultural exchange between international students and local families.
Through these experiences, I've learned that a successful homestay family is more than just providing a room; it's about creating a safe, respectful, and caring environment where students can focus on their studies, build confidence, and feel at home while living abroad. Homestay families should also be recognized and supported, as they play a vital role in helping students adapt to life in Canada.
Why AHO Was Created
Alberta Homestay Organization (AHO) was founded from personal experiences and a desire to help international students and host families build successful and rewarding homestay relationships.
I believe that homestay placements should be built on trust, communication, compatibility, and mutual respect. Every student has unique needs, and every host family has its own strengths and expectations. A thoughtful matching process can make a significant difference in creating positive experiences for everyone involved.
As a local Alberta-based organization, AHO is committed to providing a personal approach to homestay services. Rather than focusing on volume, we focus on building strong relationships and helping students and host families in finding the right match.
Mission
Our goal is simple: to help international students feel welcome in Alberta and to help host families share meaningful cultural experiences while providing a supportive home.
