On behalf of International Ministries, we want to thank you for volunteering to be a host family.
We are excited that you and your family have chosen to open your home and extend Christian hospitality to international students and scholars.  The following is a guide and info/commitment form to help you prepare for hosting:

BEING A HOST FAMILY

Have one or two International Students/Scholars over to your home for dinner, weekends, and/or holidays. After your initial meeting, you and the international student(s) can decide, according to their needs, how often they will visit (it is okay if you only have them over once). It is important that you put forth effort to invite them, but remember cultures are different and it is important to be sensitive to the interests and needs of the student.

Being a host family will give you the opportunity to live out the Christian life by serving, loving and listening to these internationals. Focus on building friendships with them. Please realize that this is not a time to try to force your opinions or beliefs on these students.

REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that as a host family you can say with confidence that your family is committed to pursuing relationships with Jesus Christ. Your family must also be devoted to gathering with other Christians for the encouragement of your family’s and your fellow Christian’s faith. The decision of becoming a host family is a commitment of your family’s heart and time.

PREPARATION FOR HAVING STUDENTS OVER

Each semester, International Ministries will manage a sign up for internationals who would like to go to a local family’s home. (In the past, many connections have been made, however, some who signed up did not respond to the email invitation from the host family. Please know that it is possible this may happen with you.) After your application is approved, you will be provided with the student’s/scholar’s contact information; they will be informed that you will be contacting them to set up a time to have them over to your home.

Host families should try to find out something about their student’s country and culture if time permits. Avoid getting stressed over cooking a fancy meal and trying to make the house look perfect — it will be the experience of being in a warm and welcoming home that they will remember.

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT CULTURES

Let your concern be with making your guests feel welcome. Be aware that time is not as important in some cultures as in ours, so don't fret if guests are late. In some cultures, guests always present the hostess with a gift; if this occurs, accept it gracefully. Be respectful of other cultures, religions, types of government, music, art, etiquette, etc. Be careful not to take the attitude that the US way is the best way or the only way. 

DURING THE VISIT

Have all family members dress modestly. Let your guests know if your dinner will be more formal or informal, so they can come dressed appropriately. Turn the television off. Ask your guests general questions about life in their country. Be good listeners, and be careful not to express criticism or disapproval of their culture. Be humble and interested. Avoid political discussions, if possible; respond tactfully if questioned.

ENCOURAGING WORDS TO GUIDE YOUR FAMILY AS YOU TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE

Pray together as a family daily, asking God to help you be good representatives of the love of Jesus Christ to your guests. Also ask God to guard your mouths so that only words that are pleasing and edifying come out. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and let the Holy Spirit make your guests sense this peace.  

STAYING INVOLVED IN THE LIVES OF YOUR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Invite your student to your home for a meal

• Include your student in family activities such as game night, shopping, watching movies, going to the park, etc.

• Invite your student to spend breaks and/or holidays with your family. This is a great time to teach them about American traditions and the meanings of our holidays.

• Ask your student what holidays they celebrate with their family and do something special on those days. This is a great opportunity to understand your student better and to learn about other cultures. 

• Offer to provide transportation for your student when needed (many students need to go to Wal-Mart on a weekly basis)

• Invite them to come to church with you and have lunch afterwards

• Send your student some special goodies around exam time

• E-mail or call your student regularly to keep in touch with them, but realize they are busy students and may be slow to respond

• Invite them to come over when you have your children or grandchildren over to make them feel like part of the family

• Find out when their birthday is and make a point to celebrate it since they are away from their family

• If your student is an athlete, go to games and cheer for them