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Host Family Program

Houghton's Host Family Program is a valuable service for our intercultural students, matching international students and TCK's with local families in the Houghton community. Each new school year is begun with a potluck dinner for all intercultural students and their host families. New intercultural students who wish to participate in the Host Program are matched with volunteer host families and begin what will hopefully be a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship.

Many students remain close to their host family for all 4 years of college, visiting them from time to time and getting to know their family very well. Many of our volunteer families have hosted intercultural students for years, and some have even lived or spent significant time overseas themselves. Sometimes we are even able to partner our intercultural students with host families who have lived in or near the student's country of origin! Many host families know what it is like to grow up or attend school in a different culture, and all of them have an interest and a passion for getting to know intercultural students. Some families choose to host multiple students, while others host only 1 or 2.

Incoming students are welcome to let us know if you have a suggestion for your host family experience (if you want to be the only student with a host family, if you prefer to be with a host family that has several intercultural students, if you want a family with or without young kids, if you prefer to be with a family who has overseas living experience, etc.)

What do I do with my host family?
That is up to your host family and yourself. Some of the more common activities are listed above. Some families are more involved than others, and some students prefer to be more involved than others. You are welcome to communicate with your host family the level of involvement and participation you desire. Each family understands that being here is a new, and sometimes overwhelming experience. They simply want to help make your college experience a good one by serving as a temporary home away from home.

What should I know about my host family?
Our hope is that you will get to know them well while you are here at Houghton. There are a few things you should know, however, about their responsibilities toward you. Host families are NOT expected to house you during school breaks. It is your responsibility to find housing during the times that the residence halls are closed. They are also not expected to always take the initiative to get together. Many host families will be proactive in inviting you to their house or to family events, and this is great. However, most families expect you to take some initiative in keeping in touch with them as well. Your family is excited to host you and want you to feel at home with them. Feel free to call or email them, invite them to events on campus, and ask what they are doing next weekend or to see if you can come over sometime that week.  

What if I don't get along with my host family?
No problem. While we try to structure the program in order to pair students and families in such a way as to foster good and growing relationships, we understand that sometimes this is just not the case. If for any reason you want to get out of the host family program or prefer to switch to a new family, just come by the ISPO office and we'll talk about your options.