Host Family Program

Beloit College international students have an invaluable opportunity to establish a relationship with a local family.
Started in 1991, the Host Family Program matches international students with American families in the Beloit area.

Host families come in all sizes and shapes. They are grandparents, children, couples: people who want to know people from other countries. They assist international students in their adjustment to American customs and lifestyles, and many become lifelong friends.

Entering students are automatically assigned to a host family. They meet for the first time at a picnic, or if entering in January at at dinner. This dinner is hosted by Phyllis and Al Wendorf, parent coordinators for Beloit's Host Family Program. Following the initial meeting, they determine how often they will meet and what they will do together.

Host families and students gather together each year for a picnic and at the end of the year for a final program.

Typical activities include eating meals, watch movies, celebrate a birthday or just to visit. Some families plan excursions with their host student during breaks from school, others share their family holiday and religious traditions. If a relationship with a host family is not mutually satisfying both student and family may request a change.

Getting to know each other by sharing an American family's daily life is one of the goals of the host family program. Everyone is richer for this personal experience, and students can see first-hand that Americans do not fit many of the stereotypes that they may get from movies and television.

Events for all host families and students include: a welcome picnic in August, winter clothing distribution in October, holiday party in December, dinner for new arrivals in January, international dinner for families hosted by the international students in the spring.

Students also learn about other students' countries through the close friendships that develop at Beloit College.

For information on how you can participate in the Beloit College Host Family Program, contact the coordinator Phyllis Wendorf. You can reach her by phone (608) 362-3366 or by email wendorfa@hotmail.com

The Office of International Education staff member who works closely with interrnational students and the host family program is:

Office of International Education, Beloit College
700 College Street
Beloit WI, 53511
(608) 363-2659

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Beloit College international students have an invaluable opportunity to establish a relationship with a local family. Started in 1991, the Host Family Program matches international students with American families in the Beloit area.
Host families come in all sizes and shapes. They are grandparents, children, couples: people who want to know people from other countries. They assist international students in their adjustment to American customs and lifestyles, and many become lifelong friends. Entering students are automatically assigned to a host family. They meet for the first time at a picnic, or if entering in January at at dinner. This dinner is hosted by Phyllis and Al Wendorf, parent coordinators for Beloit's Host Family Program. Following the initial meeting, they determine how often they will meet and what they will do together. Host families and students gather together each year for a picnic and at the end of the year for a final program.
	Typical activities include eating meals, watch movies, celebrate a birthday or just to visit. Some families plan excursions with their host student during breaks from school, others share their family holiday and religious traditions. If a relationship with a host family is not mutually satisfying both student and family may request a change. Getting to know each other by sharing an American family's daily life is one of the goals of the host family program. Everyone is richer for this personal experience, and students can see first-hand that Americans do not fit many of the stereotypes that they may get from movies and television. Events for all host families and students include: a welcome picnic in August, winter clothing distribution in October, holiday party in December, dinner for new arrivals in January, international dinner for families hosted by the international students in the spring.
Students also learn about other students' countries through the close friendships that develop at Beloit College. For information on how you can participate in the Beloit College Host Family Program, contact the coordinator Phyllis Wendorf. You can reach her by phone (608) 362-3366 or by email wendorfa@hotmail.com The Office of International Education staff member who works closely with interrnational students and the host family program is: Office of International Education, Beloit College 700 College Street Beloit WI, 53511 (608) 363-2659