In this book, I take you on the journey of hosting, providing dozens of examples of folks who embrace their work as hosts. From first impressions and settling in, to navigating cultural differences with compassion, to communicating through language barriers, I show you how to enhance your experience. When you embark on this journey of intercultural exchange, my book will help you find a way to nurture the seed of discovery between you and your students, and watch it grow into something beautiful.
- Gold medal in the 2025 Living Now Book Awards in Family/Parenting
- Silver medal in the 2025 Independent Publisher Book Awards in Parenting
Advance Praise for The Heart of Homestay
Bonnie McKie
Executive Director, Canadian Association of Public Schools - International
The Heart of Homestay is relatable, insightful, and heartwarming, and it gave me goosebumps numerous times! What an incredible compilation of learning and a beautiful testament to Wilson's work. It transparently describes not only the rewards and opportunities for intercultural learning but also the challenges that can arise in homestay. Through stories, the book provides both new and experienced hosts with the tools necessary to create and nurture healthy, optimal homestay relationships. Profound experiences and lifelong connections lie ahead for those host families willing to embrace the uncomfortable, to be open, trusting, and curious, and to grow!
Geoff Best
Director, International Student Programs, Ottawa Carleton District School Board
In The Heart of Homestay, Jennifer Wilson draws on over 20 years of experience supporting homestay hosts and students across Canada to offer an insightful and heartfelt guide. Through a collection of real-life stories, she highlights the joys and challenges that culture and personality bring to homestay relationships. Her examples—both unique and familiar—provide valuable lessons on cultural understanding, setting boundaries, and, above all, treating students like family. This book is an essential resource for anyone looking to create meaningful and lasting connections in the homestay experience.
Oscar Trimboli
Award-Winning Author of how to listen, Deep Listening & Breakthroughs
Connections between communities and countries are built through people-to-people exchanges across kitchen tables, not by politicians. When we listen to different cultures, histories and points of view from overseas, we create the ties that build coherence and tolerance in local communities to tackle the most critical challenges. This book is a roadmap to a better future.
David Johnston
The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C. 28th Governor General of Canada (2010 to 2017)
In The Heart of Homestay, Jennifer Wilson captures the essence of the homestay experience: a unique opportunity for families and students to engage in the diplomacy of knowledge. Through precise research, balanced reporting, and beautiful storytelling, Wilson will inspire readers to think more broadly about what it means to be a global citizen and how to engage in cross-cultural understanding. This book gave me hope for a better world—one built on curiosity, kindness, and respect for human diversity and dignity.
Pamela Slim
hor of Body of Work and The Widest Net
As a four-time study abroad student to Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil in my teens and early 20's, I can attest to the critical role host families play in exchange success. The Heart of Homestay will ensure that both host families and visiting students get the most of what is a life- and family-changing adventure. I recommend it for every host family!
Batja Mesquita
Author of Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions
The Heart of Homestay tracks beautifully how families and the international students they host forge relationships, often for life. It provides an intimate close-up of the journey of learning and perspective-taking on which parents and students alike embark. The Heart of Homestay is a go-to guide for parents considering the adventure of hosting international students, but also a must-read for anyone interested in intimate portrayal of intercultural relationships. It is a realistic portrayal of growing close relationships between different cultures, and a testimony to their rewards.
