The Community International Hospitality Council offers several alternatives. The council sponsors an international friendship program that enables foreign students to meet American families. The student becomes involved with family activities, and during the holiday season the students are invited for holiday dinner and activities. Luis Vergera is a Colombia native and is flying to Miami to be with his mother's friends for the holidays. Although he finds being away from home and his family difficult at times, Vergera refuses to go home for break because in Colombia he will not be able to practice his English.
International students have other options as well.
There are three national programs sponsored by churches and communities nationwide. The programs range from a trip to Orlando to spending a quiet Christmas with an American family. All three programs have an application for admittance and a fee. One program allows students to experience Christmas in rural America. This program is sponsored by Mennonite farm families so both the family and student have the opportunity to learn about a different culture.