Hampshire College

Incoming international students are matched with a Hampshire staff or faculty member who can provide an additional source of support away from home.

The Host Family Program is an opportunity for cultural exchange, and an additional source of support and information about Hampshire, the Five College system, and U.S. culture. Often a student and his/her host family build a friendship that extends beyond the college years. Currently there are over 60 participants in the program: over 32 matches.

Staff/faculty apply by July 24 for the new first-year students. 
Applications are also accepted on a rolling basis.

Incoming international students apply  
An international student can join the program at any time during his/her stay at Hampshire.

"The host family program is such an amazing opportunity for both students and staff. I have so enjoyed getting to know both of my host students, and sharing our stories, cultures, and experiences has been eye-opening and exciting for all of us. For such a small commitment there is an enormous sense of reward and satisfaction in being able to help students from far away feel at home while they are at Hampshire. The only thing better than being a host to one student is the connection that I have made with many of the other host families and their students--I feel like I am part of a bigger family now, too!"

-- Josiah Litant, Student Services, host 2005-2009.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

Host Families:
Host families provide an additional source of support away from home for international students. Each host family/student relationship is different, based upon time availability and the student’s needs. The most important aspect of the relationship is to build a foundation of trust and connection to help the student with his/her transition to college, U.S. culture, and to help him/her through any times of homesickness and culture shock. The goal is that the family and student are able to meet often and find ways to learn more about each other.

When families are together with their student, ask him/her:

• if he/she is still in need of finding items/resources (e.g., opening a bank account, items for dorm rooms, etc.)
• how his/her classes are going; if he/she has made new friends.
• how she/he is feeling being away from home.
• if he/she has any questions about how to find places and information on and off campus.
• if she/he is in need of anything that he/she is having trouble finding (such as special foods, dentist).
• what kinds of things you could do together this year.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If a family's student is from a much warmer climate, please help him/her adjust to the cold New England winter by perhaps going to the mall or consignment shops for warmer clothes. The Cultural Center also has a winter closet with coats, gloves, and scarves for international students.
• Sometimes the student may ask the host family for a ride to the airport. If the family feels they have the time to do so, then this would be helpful. If not, let the student know about the local bus and train schedules. Host families should not feel obligated to do something they’re not comfortable doing.
• It’s important for the host family to keep in regular contact with the hostee. This program is set up to be an ongoing support for students during their entire time at college.
• If students don’t hear from their host families, then they may think their host families are not interested in spending time together. Discuss early on the best ways for student and family to communicate with each other (phone, email, Facebook, etc.).

Students:
Host families provide additional sources of support away from home for international students. Each host family/student relationship is different based upon time availability and the student’s needs. Hampshire staff/faculty and their families have taken time out of their lives to extend themselves and their homes in order to help students transition to U.S. culture, college life and being away from your family. This is an opportunity to get to know a U.S. family and to get additional help with the transition to Hampshire College and U.S. culture.

We hope students will:

• share with their family how classes are going and how they're adjusting to college life.
• share things about their culture and family with their host family; seek to learn more about their host family’s background.
• seek answers to any of their questions about how to find places and information on and off campus.
• not be afraid to ask if they are in need of anything they are having trouble finding (such as special foods, a dentist, going to the store to get warm clothes for the cold winter!).
• brainstorm outing ideas with their host family.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It’s important for students to keep in regular contact with their host families. This program is set up to be an ongoing support for the students during their entire time at college. Discuss early on the best ways for student and family to communicate with each other (phone, email, facebook, etc.).
• If a host family doesn’t hear from their student, then they may think the student is not interested in hanging out with them.
• This program is an excellent way for the students to learn more about the U.S. and American culture and to help relieve moments of homesickness.
• Students should be considerate of their host family’s resources and time. Host families should be seen as a resource, friends, and family.
• Make the most of this host family-student relationship!

EVENTS

There will be scheduled events for the entire Host Family Program participants throughout each academic year. Final details to be announced.

September 2, 2009
5:30 p.m., Red Barn
Closing dinner of the International Student Orientation. New host families meet their new hostees.

September 26, 2009
10 a.m., Amherst Town Common
Apple Harvest and Crafts Festival

October 17, 2009
5:00 p.m., Red Barn
Host Family Potluck during Family and Friends Weekend

Students and families can take their own initiative, however, to plan a group outing.

Ideas for a group outing or for just the student and family:

Go to local festivals (e.g., apple festival, film festival, etc.)
Go on an OPRA activity
Organize a trip to a beach or swimming hole
Have a potluck at someone's house
Take a day trip to Boston or other town
Go on the Amherst Gallery Walk 
Go horseback riding
Go to a museum
Go on an outing with another host family
Share a meal on a cultural holiday
Volunteer at a local food shelter or other location
Go to the mall
Go sledding or skiing in the winter
Have lunch in SAGA

Questions about the program should be directed to Melissa Scheid Frantz, 559.5415; mscheidfrantz@hampshire.edu.