The homestay program, arranged through the International Student Support office allows students to live with a Canadian family and experience a Canadian lifestyle. The host family provides a quiet room and three meals per day, including a bag lunch. Students can also take part in a peerstay, where they provide their own meals. Policy on International Students Notwithstanding these benefits, both the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and the Malaspina University-College Board recognize their primary responsibility is to the education of British Columbians. Guidelines have been established to ensure international students benefit from the opportunity to study at Malaspina without restricting education for B.C. residents.
Current guidelines suggest the following.
Colleges and institutes exist for the education of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students will not normally be accepted into limited enrolment programs if, by their acceptance, places are denied to qualified Canadians and permanent residents. International students admitted to Malaspina University-College must demonstrate a command of English. Students whose English language skills are below standard will be placed in an appropriate level of the English Language Program to gain fluency. Programs designed for international students, which also create course opportunities for British Columbians, are encouraged.