These programs are organized by church groups in order to make it possible for students from other countries to have an affordable vacation during the holiday break from school, to see some other part of the United States, and to experience a principal American holiday with an American family. Students must be able to meet the cost of their transportation to the holiday site and must pay an application fee. Other costs are met by the program, which is based on the volunteer efforts of hundreds of church members. The International Programs receptionist has FIH brochures and applications. More desirable sites fill quickly.
Early applicants have a better chance of going to their first choice of sites.
OISS Director Gary Althen said the change was made for two reasons. One was that students too often had to wait too long when they came during walk-in hours. And sometimes, students who had waited a long time were still unable to see an adviser because the demand for adviser services was too heavy. After two weeks, advisers and students seemed to think the appointments system was working better than the walk-in system. Students are encouraged to express their views on this.