One of the most important aspects of the program is for host families to include their students in their regular home life. From Boy Scout meetings to Halloween parties, to even just staying at home, students get a chance to experience American family life. These and other activities benefit the students by giving them the opportunity to see American culture outside of the college. I n return, the family has the opportunity to learn about a different culture through the student. Host family children especially benefit from the program, which can open their eyes to not just seeing different colors of skin or shapes of eyes but to understanding different hearts and minds.
International students help to bridge the gap between cultures.
Also, a simple trip to the mall or to the grocery store can be made more exciting through the eyes of a foreign guest. M ost of the international students on campus participate in this program along with 100 local families. Those who have participated have found it both a rewarding and educational experience. Some of the activities planned for the program include a Host Family Picnic in which students and host families get together for a potluck dinner, with each family bringing different entrees and side dishes to feed all those present. During International Week, host familes and students collaborate to make desserts, as well as teaching others how to make a native dish from the student's country.