Host Families Needed for International Students Attending Moraine Valley

PALOS HILLS, IL -- Learn about other countries while welcoming an international student into your home. Moraine Valley Community College’s International Student Affairs Department is in need of local residents to help integrate these new students into the United States and provide a place for them to stay through the Host Home Program, sometimes their main housing option.

Hundreds of international students from countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, China, Poland, Congo, Japan, and Sweden enroll at Moraine Valley, and on average more than 70 students are in host homes throughout the community. With a new crop of students expected at the college this fall, many are in need of a safe place to live and learn either short term or semester-long. Students pay hosts a monthly fee determined by the college. Community members who live in Worth, Chicago Ridge, Burbank, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, and Oak Lawn or near a bus line are encouraged to participate.

Living with a local family helps international students practice English, learn the American culture, acclimate to their new environment, and abate cultural shock and loneliness. Hosts also benefit by learning about another country and its language and culture, and contribute to the student’s success while building international relationships.

“Participants can host more than one student. Our hosts really enjoy this and help students learn about the U.S. culture while decreasing the student’s isolation,” said Diane Viverito, assistant dean of International Student Affairs. “We want our students to love their experience and have a positive one in America. This is an important contribution to international friendship and understanding.”

For more information on hosting an international student, contact Susan Schroering, international student housing specialist, at (708) 974-5756 or schroerings@morainevalley.edu.