WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HOST FAMILY PROGRAM?
The Host Family Program consists of American families who are interested in establishing mutually rewarding relationships with UW-Stevens Point students from other lands.

HOST FAMILIES:

*	provide friendship and companionship for students who are far from home;
*	have an interest in removing barriers to international understanding;
*	show human understanding and tolerant acceptance of attitudes and customs that are different from their own; and
*	demonstrate an interest in, and curiosity and excitement about, other cultures.

DO FOREIGN STUDENTS LIVE WITH THEIR HOST FAMILIES?

No, host families do NOT provide housing for students, who make their own housing arrangements either in a residence hall or in off-campus housing.
Like most students, foreign students are excited about their new experiences, but they are unsure of what to expect. They must adapt to new physical, cultural and academic environments, and they must learn to think and speak in a new language. Like all people, these students are most likely to succeed if they receive support–human support. That’s where the host family comes in.

HOW MUCH TIME D0 HOST FAMILIES COMMIT TO THE PROGRAM?

It varies. You can be flexible and choose what works best for you and your students. Initially, we suggest two meetings a month. As the year progresses and students get busier, you may meet only once a month. Whatever the schedule, it is important that both the family and the student be comfortable with it.

WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN HOST FAMILIES AND STUDENTS DO TOGETHER?

The possibilities for enjoying activities together are endless. The following are a few activities that host families and students have engaged in: family meals, tours, picnics, fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, spending special holidays together at home (Thanksgiving, Christmas) and attending concerts or plays.

Some activities are planned by the Host Family Program. These include:

*	Fall welcome picnic for foreign students, host families and members of International Club
*	International Dinner and Entertainment (host families get priority on tickets)
*	Appreciation potluck dinner, cooked by students
*	Portage County Cultural Festival

The time committed to this program is indeed well spent. Barriers are overcome, and many lasting friendships are formed. Sometimes a seemingly small gesture can mean more than we imagine.

The kinds of relationships we develop with other people may, in the long run, determine the kind of world we live in.