Student Support Request – Comox Valley International Student Program

What would you like support with?

Please select the main areas where you’d like help or support. Based on your answers, we’ll share ideas and resources that have helped other students.

I am concerned about: (select all that apply)

It’s common to face challenges when adjusting to a new culture.

Here are some steps that have helped other students.

Food or Meals in My Homestay

Many students have challenges with meals at first. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Talk with your host about your favorite foods and what you miss from home.

Offer to cook a meal together to share your culture.

Ask for small changes, like adding snacks or a favorite dish.

Be specific about your needs (“I’m vegetarian,” “I miss rice for dinner,” etc.).

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Distance or Location (School, Activities, Transportation)

Living far from school or activities can be challenging. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Talk with your host about the best ways to get to school or activities—sometimes they know shortcuts or bus routes you haven’t tried.

Try different transportation: walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool with classmates/teammates. Routines often get easier over time.

Ask your coordinator for help if transportation is expensive or difficult.

Give it time—many students find the commute feels shorter as they adjust.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Connecting with My Host

Building a good relationship with your host family takes time, especially when you have different interests or routines. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Share your interests: Tell your host family about your favorite hobbies, sports, or activities. They might be curious to learn or even join you!

Try something new: Accept invitations to join your host family in their activities—even if it’s unfamiliar. You might discover something you like, and it’s a great way to bond.

Find something small in common: Even watching a TV show, playing a board game, or cooking together can help you feel closer.

Get involved outside the home: School clubs, sports, or community activities are good ways to make friends and feel more settled.

Talk about differences: If you feel left out or uncomfortable, share your feelings with your host parent or your coordinator—they want to help.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Making Friends and Feeling Included

Feeling connected to others is one of the most important parts of your experience here, but it can take time. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Join a club, team, or activity: School clubs, sports, and special-interest groups are great places to meet people who share your interests.

Talk to someone at school: Teachers, counselors, or your international coordinator can help introduce you to other students or suggest ways to get involved.

Take small steps: Try saying hello to classmates, sitting with someone new at lunch, or joining a group project. Friendships often start with small conversations.

Share your feelings: It’s normal to feel left out sometimes, especially in a new country. Talk to your host family or coordinator—they might have ideas and can support you.

Be patient with yourself: Making new friends doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to feel shy or awkward at first—most students feel more included as they get used to their new environment.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Homesickness or Trouble Adjusting to Canada

It’s completely normal to feel homesick or find it hard to adjust when you’re far from home and everything is new. Many students go through this—even if it doesn’t look like it from the outside. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Stay connected: Keep in touch with family and friends from home, but also give yourself chances to meet new people here—balance is key.

Get involved: Join school clubs, sports teams, or community activities. Being busy and having a routine can make things feel more familiar and help you meet people.

Talk about your feelings: Share how you’re feeling with your host family, a friend, or your coordinator. Sometimes just talking about it can make a big difference.

Take care of yourself: Try to sleep well, eat regularly, and get some exercise—these can all help your mood.

Give yourself time: Almost everyone feels out of place at first. Most students say they start to feel much better after a few weeks.

Ask for support: If your feelings don’t improve, or if you’re really struggling, let your coordinator know. There are people here who want to help.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Understanding or Following House Rules

Every family has their own rules and expectations. It can be confusing or frustrating when they’re different from what you’re used to. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Ask for clarification: If you don’t understand a rule, politely ask your host parent to explain it and why it’s important to them. Most hosts appreciate honest questions.

Share your perspective: Let your host family know (respectfully) why a rule might be hard for you, and ask if there’s a way to make it easier.

Try to meet halfway: Sometimes you and your host can agree on a compromise that works for both of you.

Talk to your coordinator: if a rule feels unfair or impossible, or you’re not comfortable discussing it with your host, your coordinator can help mediate and explain both sides.

Remember adjustment takes time: Some rules might feel strict or unusual at first, but often get easier as you settle in.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Communication Problems With My Host

Good communication is important in every homestay, but it can be hard—especially if you’re still learning English or aren’t used to different ways of speaking or showing feelings. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Be honest (and kind): Let your host family know how you feel or what you need in a respectful way. They can’t help with a problem they don’t know about.

Use simple language: If English isn’t your first language, it’s okay to speak slowly, write things down, or ask your host to repeat or explain.

Choose a good time: Bring up important topics when everyone is calm and not busy or upset. This helps avoid misunderstandings.

Ask for help: If you’re struggling to communicate, your coordinator can help by joining a conversation, translating, or helping you and your host family understand each other better.

Be patient: Misunderstandings happen, especially in a new culture. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get your message across.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Academic Stress or Trouble with Schoolwork

School in a new country can be challenging—different styles of teaching, higher expectations, or language barriers can make it stressful. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Talk to your teachers: Let them know if you’re struggling. Many teachers can offer extra help, give you more time, or explain things in a different way.

Visit a school counselor or support teacher: They can suggest strategies, connect you with tutoring, or help you organize your work.

Join a homework club or study group: Working with classmates can help you understand assignments and feel more confident.

Share your concerns with your host family: They might be able to help you with routines, reminders, or finding a quiet space to study.

Ask your coordinator for support: If you’re feeling very stressed or falling behind, your coordinator can help you make a plan or talk to the school on your behalf.

Remember you’re not alone: Many students feel overwhelmed at some point—asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Mental Health, Stress, or Emotional Wellbeing

Being away from home, facing new challenges, and adjusting to a different culture can all affect your mental health. You are not alone—many students experience stress, anxiety, or low moods at some point. Tell us what steps you have already tried:(Required)

Talk to someone you trust: Your host family, a friend, a teacher, or your coordinator can listen and offer support.

Reach out to your school counselor: They are trained to help students with emotional or mental health concerns, and your conversations will be confidential.

Try self-care activities: Things like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, spending time in nature, or doing something creative can all help.

Keep a routine: Having a regular daily schedule can make things feel more manageable.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious most of the time, let someone know. There are professionals and resources available to support you.

You are not alone: Many students struggle with mental health, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

If you’ve already tried these, or need help, let us know. On the next page, please describe what you’ve done so far.

Your concern is important. For issues related to safety, health, or an ongoing conflict that hasn’t improved, please continue with the form or call our emergency line at 250-703-6938

If you are in immediate danger, call our emergency line at 250-703-6938.

Tell Us What's Going On

Please describe your situation and what you’ve already tried. If you’ve spoken to your host family, coordinator, or anyone else, let us know what was discussed and what happened. If you haven’t spoken to anyone yet, please explain why.

Please describe your situation and if you’ve tried anything so far.

What kind of support would be most helpful right now?

Advice

A meeting with my host

Just someone to talk to

Help changing something in my homestay

I don't know

Student Details

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone

Country Phone Number

Student Support Request Form

What would you like support with?

It’s common to face challenges when adjusting to a new culture.

Food or Meals in My Homestay

Distance or Location (School, Activities, Transportation)

Connecting with My Host

Making Friends and Feeling Included

Homesickness or Trouble Adjusting to Canada

Understanding or Following House Rules

Communication Problems With My Host

Academic Stress or Trouble with Schoolwork

Mental Health, Stress, or Emotional Wellbeing

Your concern is important. For issues related to safety, health, or an ongoing conflict that hasn’t improved, please continue with the form or call our emergency line at 250-703-6938

Tell Us What's Going On

Student Details

Comox Valley International Student Program

Language