Host Program
The Host Program is a bilingual program about friendship offered and given, and friendship received and returned. The program helps new immigrants adjust to life in Canada, learn about Canadian values, traditions, community resources, recreational opportunities, language training, and job search resources. The Host program also provides Hosts with an introduction to a new culture and an opportunity to see Canada through a new pair of eyes.
An important part of the Host program are the Conversation Circles, which provide a setting for making friends and give newcomers a chance to practice English.
The Hosts
"As a host, I'm learning to see Canada through the eyes of a newcomer. It helps me appreciate our life here in Canada." - Host
Hosts are Canadian friends. They are individuals, families or groups who are interested in:
- promoting and facilitating the reception of new immigrants to Canada;
- sensitizing the wider community to the needs of new immigrants and inviting it to respond; and
- assisting newcomers to realize their full potential in Canadian society.
Hosts benefit from the matches by:
- creating new friendships;
- learning to appreciate differences; and
- discovering new cultures.
The Host Program recruits and trains volunteers to become Hosts. The program endeavours to establish compatible matches between Host volunteers and new immigrants of all ages. Matches are based on criteria such as similar interests, family size, age and profession.
English Conversation Circles
Organized by the Host Program, the English Conversation Circles bring together newcomers and members of the community in a relaxed social setting to chat and learn from each other.
All newcomers interested in practicing their English conversation skills are welcome to attend. No reservations necessary.
If you have any other questions please contact:
Host Communications, Recruitment and Training staff at (613) 232-9634, ext. 323 or by e-mail at host@cic.ca.
