Area families needed to host visiting international teachers, students

Contact: Margaret von Steinen

Lodge and Learn logo with graphic image of a houseKALAMAZOO, Mich.—If your family enjoys meeting new people, exploring new cultures and introducing American culture to international visitors, consider becoming a host family. Western Michigan University is seeking homestay opportunities for visiting international students arriving from Japan in August.

Benefits of serving as a host family

  • Exposing your family to a new language and culture.
  • Teaching international visitors about American values and traditions.
  • Helping international visitors learn English in a family setting.
  • Increasing cultural awareness in your community.

Host families will be assigned a visiting international student or teacher and are required to provide them with a private bedroom and two meals daily—breakfast and dinner. The guest pays for all other personal expenses while in the United States.

A stipend of $450 a month will be paid to each hosting family for the duration of the guest's stay, which can range from four weeks to one year. A simple, online application process is utilized for host family selection.

Interested families should contact Barb Curley at (269) 217-9094 or findyournest@gmail.com.

More information can be found in the Program flier.

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