Surrey is a Canadian city in the province of British Columbia that lies within the Metro Vancouver district, and geographically at the centre of the larger region known as the Lower Mainland of BC. It is the province's second-largest city by population after the city of Vancouver.
The town centre hosts the annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Beginning in 1888, the event is Canada's second largest rodeo and features 150 acres (0.61 km2) of family-oriented entertainment.
Surrey's motto, "The future lives here" is meant to reflect the balance between the future of a progressive and dynamic city balanced in harmony with green spaces, parks, and open areas characterized by Surrey’s rural landscape. Its former motto, "City of Parks" was derived from 5,400 acres (22 km²) of passive and active park land, 15 golf courses and driving ranges. The climate is typically inter-coastal Pacific-Northwest; rainy, wet winters, often with heavy rainfall lasting into early spring, with mild, sunny summers and cool autumns.
Homestay Services offers a safe and affordable housing alternative for international and domestic students at
Kwantlen University College. International students have the opportunity to live in a Canadian home as a member of the family, sharing meals with their hosts, participating in family activities and conversations, and establishing friendships with people who can help make the adjustment to the new environment easier.
All Homestay homes and adult household members are carefully screened and selected by Homestay Services through an in-home interview and inspection. Homestay Services obtains criminal record checks from all Homestay family members 18 years of age and older.
Homestay Services endeavours to match each student with a host family who shares similar interests. For example, a student who enjoys sports may be placed with an athletic family or a student who enjoys playing the piano may be placed in a Homestay that has one. Students can expect the following:
- Your own private bedroom
- Three meals a day with nutritious snacks and beverages
available throughout the day
- In-house laundry facilities
- A quiet place to study
- In addition, students have access to all necessary household
items and furniture. Private phone lines and internet connection
may also be installed at the students’ expense.
