Hello, my name is Ryan Smith. I am the homestay co-ordinator here in Halifax. I was born in Halifax in 1982 and have spent most of my life here. Outside of Halifax, I did my university degree near Toronto and studied for a year at the University of Hong Kong. Since university, I taught English for a year in Osaka, Japan, and have traveled to another 25 countries.

Aside from being the homestay coordinator, I also am a part-time English teacher and love to teach. In fact, I taught English to Mizutani-san for a few months before I went to Japan and he helped me learn basic Japanese! My other hobbies include traveling, watching movies, studying other languages, jogging, learning about business and meeting new people.

I decided that I wanted to become a homestay co-ordinator after I met many students in Halifax who were placed in terrible homestay situations very far from the city. I was disappointed that students came to such a great city and didn't have the opportunity to experience it. I made a commitment to start my own homestay agency and only accept the best families living in beautiful houses in safe, convenient neighbourhoods of Halifax.

Through our family and social connections in Halifax, we are able to offer these homes for around the same price as the language schools. This is exciting news for you, since our homestay placements are at least ten times as valuable in quality and location. I can proudly say that we only accept a small percentage of host families that apply and that no other service can guarantee a house on Halifax peninsula.

When you arrive in Halifax, we will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you directly to your homestay. Furthermore, I will stay in close contact with you and you can ask me any questions or tell me any concerns about your homestay placement, your school or life in Halifax in general. I look forward to meeting you!

Ryan Smith^^