About the Owner
Melissa Humphries
Owner, Operator, and Educator at Home-InternationalNL
Hello! It’s my absolute pleasure to meet you and tell you a little about myself and my love of global learning.
As a small child, I knew that my love of travel and different cultures was my drive. I lived in a small community of fewer than 800 people — what did I know about culture and travel? Well, I was blessed with the opportunity to observe my mother working in tourism. After meeting travellers from all over the world, a fire of self-exploration developed — a fire to travel and learn as much as I possibly could about the world and the people in it.
At a very young age, my parents and I moved to my current home — St. John’s, Newfoundland — where my mother pursued a career in law. During the transition period of small-town girl to city girl, I gained a new understanding of what the world had to offer. I participated in student council and all the international studies clubs I could find.
My very first international experience was with my high school in the International Studies Program. Through participation in this program, I was given the opportunity to travel to Cuba. I learned the Spanish language and the colourful Cuban history. Upon my return to Canada, I was changed — I wasn’t the girl who left St. John’s a week prior.
When my high school years had ended I was lucky enough to participate in a Canada World Youth partnership program with Dalian, China and Nelson, British Columbia. During my time in China, I taught English and facilitated weekly educational activities for Chinese students. In Nelson, BC I worked in the Nelson Public School as support to the public school’s guidance counsellor. My time in both these places was unique and guided me to where I am today.
After much travel and learning, I decided to pursue a degree in Social Sciences and International Studies. I also completed a certificate program in ESL (English as a Second Language). My career took off. Since then, I have been blessed with a career in Mental Health as Program Facilitator, and also in the Golden Hills School Division #75 as International Program Coordinator. Since leaving Golden Hills School Division #75, I have formed my very own international studies program here in the culturally diverse province of Newfoundland. I am an active member of the Newfoundland English School Division as a certified recruitment agent.
My life thus far has been a very strategic ride. My love of culture and guiding international students is my passion and my most rewarded achievement. I look forward to feeding my entrepreneurial spirit and continuing my lifelong journey as owner, operator and educator of Home-InternationalNL. I’m excited to meet more students from all over the world and give them the greatest Newfoundland homestay experience possible!