Catholic schools seek welcoming homes for international students

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 21, 2026.

Next year the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education will welcome a number of students from other countries and is seeking homestay families.

On Thursday, MHCBE announced it will host students from Spain, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Japan, Chili, Denmark, Ethiopia, Poland and South Korea through its International Education Department throughout the 2026-27 school year.

The duration of student stays are dependent on their programs and will range from four or five months to students who stay for the entire school year.

MHCBE says it began welcoming arrivals in January and will continue to welcome international students throughout the summer until the end of August.

Looking at past feedback the division says families which host international students have reported benefiting from learning about other cultures and traditions, and typically building lifelong relationships with students “who often become extended members of the family.”

“Our past host families often share how rewarding the experience has been for them, and our international students have a reputation for being enthusiastic, respectful and deeply appreciative of the chance to learn and grow in Canada,” reads a press release.

There is financial support for host families, a figure increasing to $1,000 per month for the 2026-27 school year.

More information on the MHCBE’s International Program and online homestay application forms can be found on the division’s website.