I am going to study English in Vancouver and would like to stay in a
homestay acommodation.  Most companies charge big price for a
placement fee.  Can you recomend a company which doesn't have a big
price, but can give me the security that a homestay company can, for
instance, good match of family and can move me easily if i have
problems?

I know many, but the best are Vancouver Central Homestay at
www.vancouvercentralhomestay.com  or Maple International Study
Information Centre - mapleinfo@i5425.com

Vancouver Central Homestay has the best located families - and the
placement fee is well under 100$ versus the 200+ at most other
agencies.

I personally recommend VHA Vancouver Homestay Inc., because I dealt
with them, they have set guidelines for both host family and the
student relations. Which means that the families know how to treat me
and likewise. This agency fee placement fee is not expensive compared
to many. It is $120 CND dollars and they wave some of it some students
like me who could not afford it. More over they guaranteed me if I am
not happy with the host family that they would replace my homestay
without an extra fee. I did not change the family that I am with so
far, because I am ok with them. They also go out of their way for me.
But if I happen to change my mind, I know that VHA is there for me and
they are just one phone call away. Agency service is valuable... Their
website is http://www.vancouverhomestayagency.com Good luck my friend.
 
GA

If you plan to come to Canada as a tourist, student or as an
immigrant, I invite you to visit our website to get information about
services we provide to people coming to Canada:

Website: http://www.vamosacanada.com/index_e.htm

We offer the following services:

A) Immigration Services:

1. Case evaluation and recommendations
2. Application forms
3. Visa case processing for the following categories: permanent
residence, temporary residence (work permits/NAFTA/SWAP/GATS),
citizenship, sponsorships, change of status, etc.
4. AuPair/Nanny/Caregiver Program (screening and family matching)
5. Translations from Spanish, Portuguese and Italian to English

B) Services for new immigrants (people with permanent resident status
who will be moving to Canada soon):

1. Airport pickup (Toronto and Montreal)
2. Temporary accomodations *
3. Apartment search
4. Resume adaptation
5. Transportation from temporary lodging to apartment
6. SIN (Social Insurance Number) and Health Card obtention
7. Driver license obtention
8. Bank Account
9. City map and info (Toronto and Montreal)
10. Kids school registration 
11. Temporary Health Insurance (IHIP)
12. 3rd party Accounting Services (I.e., Tax return)
13. Retirement (RRSP) and Education Savings (RESP) plan consultation
14. Auto insurance
15. Airplane tickets 
16. Car rental
17. Help buying a car
18. Translations from Spanish, Portuguese and Italian to English

C) Services for students:

1. Airport pickup (Toronto only)
2. Homestay *
3. Bank Account
4. School registration in many Canadian cities
5. Competitive prices and promotions in the best schools
6. English, French, TOEFL, TESL, IELTS and English for business courses
7. Acting and Film, Cooking courses
8. City map and info (Toronto and Montreal)
9. Summer and winter camps
10. Airplane tickets (with student discounts)
11. Transportation to schools (Toronto only, from our homestay)
12. Tours (provided by a 3rd party)
13. Student visa processing and Visa extensions
14. Translations from Spanish, Portuguese and Italian to English

D) Services for tourists:

1. Airport pickup (Toronto and Montreal)
2. Temporary accomodations *
3. City map and info (Toronto and Montreal)
4. Airplane tickets (with student discounts)
5. Tours (provided by a 3rd party)
6. Tourist visa processing and Visa extensions
7. Translations from Spanish, Portuguese and Italian to English

* Temporary accomodation / homestay is optionally provided by Vamos a
Canada, subject to availability and at an additional cost.

These are most of the services we offer. If you have special needs let
us know what it is and we will try to acommodate it.

I hope this helps. If you have any question or comment please let me know.



Regards,


Konstantina Kyrtsos