Understanding Student Curfews in Our Program

We’re delighted to welcome international students to the Comox Valley—where you’ll find a safe, friendly community, beautiful nature, and a new place to call home. As you settle in, you’ll notice a few differences in daily routines and family expectations, especially when it comes to curfews.

Our Curfew Policy

All students in our International Student Program are expected to follow set curfews based on their grade level:

  • Grades 7 & 8:
    • 7:00pm Sunday through Thursday
    • 8:00pm Friday and Saturday
  • Grades 9 & 10:
    • 8:00pm Sunday through Thursday
    • 9:00pm Friday and Saturday
  • Grades 11 & 12:
    • 9:00pm Sunday through Thursday
    • 10:00pm Friday and Saturday

We know these times may feel early, especially in comparison to what you might be used to in your home countries.

Canadian family life, particularly in smaller communities like the Comox Valley, follows a different pace than in busy cities abroad. Several local factors shape our curfew policy:

  • Shorter Days and Early Darkness: Our region loses daylight much earlier, especially in fall and winter. It’s not uncommon for it to be dark by 4:30pm or 5:00pm. This means students would be returning home well after dark if curfews were set later, and most Canadian parents expect their children to be home not long after sunset for safety reasons.
  • Business Hours: Almost all businesses, restaurants, and gathering spots close by 8:00pm. The community settles down after dinner, leaving few places to go or safe options for being out late.
  • Public Transportation: Buses and public transit options become far less frequent in the evening, and some routes stop running entirely. This makes staying out late impractical and puts extra pressure on host families to drive students if needed.
  • Safety and Wellbeing: Early curfews ensure that students are home, safe, and accounted for by nightfall. This is especially important during the school week.
  • Weather and Environment: While our climate is milder than much of Canada, weather can still change quickly—especially in winter. There’s little nightlife for minors, and late-night wandering simply isn’t part of the local culture.

We appreciate that curfew expectations can vary widely:

  • Brazil, Spain, Italy, Mexico: In many regions, dinner is late and evening activities run later. Teens are often allowed out until 10:00pm or later.
  • Germany: German cities often have later curfews for teens, sometimes 9:00pm–10:00pm for younger students, and even later for older teens, especially where late public life is common.
  • China, Korea, Japan: Academic commitments can mean students are out late for study or clubs, but this is usually tied to supervised activities, not independent free time.

Here in the Comox Valley, earlier curfews reflect local customs and culture.

Joining a homestay means becoming part of a family, not just moving into a new house. Hosts take on real responsibility for the care and safety of students who may be far from home, and this can feel intense—especially when caring for someone else’s child. Curfews are usually set based on a family’s routines and comfort, not to be restrictive, but to ensure everyone feels secure.

Sometimes, students may not realize how cultural differences or new rules might affect day-to-day life, or how much pressure hosts feel to keep them safe. That’s why respect for curfews, and showing maturity in daily routines, really matters. It builds trust and helps hosts feel comfortable.

Open communication is key—if you’re unsure about a custom or want more independence, talk with your host family. When everyone is honest, flexible, and understanding, the homestay is much more rewarding.

While curfews are set for everyone’s comfort and safety, life sometimes brings up events that fall outside the usual routine. Special school functions, cultural celebrations, or community activities can be important experiences. In these cases, hosts may consider exceptions to curfew—but these are always granted at their discretion and with advance notice.

If you hope for a later return, make your request as soon as possible—explain the event, times, and how you’ll travel. Remember, it’s up to the host family to decide what feels reasonable for their household. Their responsibility for your safety—and their need to be able to rest or plan their evening—are part of that decision.

If you ever feel unsure, have unique circumstances, or want to better understand your host’s perspective, don’t hesitate to talk with them directly. For extra support or if challenges arise, you can always reach out to a Homestay coordinator. We’re here to help foster solutions that work for everyone.

Adapting to a new culture means learning little things—like when dinner happens, or what’s expected after sunset. Our curfew policy supports safety, helps host families, and ensures a smooth experience for everyone. If you have any questions, we’re here to help you settle in and thrive in your Canadian home away from home.