Host Family Program Sign-up Form
Denison University sponsors a non-residential Host Family Program that brings together international students with local families. Host families help new international students adjust to their new cultural surroundings. They also provide entrée into the local community and off campus life. In turn, local families are able to expand their own horizons through friendship with a student from another country. Many relationships between host families and international students last long after the student has graduated from Denison.
Local families who are part of this program offer their hospitality to a student throughout his/her time at Denison. While there are different levels of involvement that are agreed upon between student and host family, most host families make a commitment to spend some time with their student during the academic year. Host families do not, however, take on the responsibilities of parents; that is, they are not obliged to have students stay with them for extended periods of time, nor do they provide financial support. Selected residence halls are open throughout the year so there is no obligation to stay in their home.
For international students the program is voluntary. Students requesting host families should have a genuine interest in learning more about family life in the U.S. and developing personal relationships beyond the college campus. The relationship between the student and host family is a reciprocal one. Students requesting host families should be willing to actively participate in activities with their host family throughout the academic year in order to foster these relationships. In appreciation of their hospitality your host family will be invited to take part in a welcome dinner in August and a cookout in the spring. As a participant in this program you are expected to attend these events with your host family. Many of our students find their relationships with their host families to be very rewarding. This program provides a “home” away from home!
If you would like to request a host family, please take a moment to tell us a bit about yourself so that we can match you with a family who has similar interests. The more information you can provide, the better the match! The host families will receive a copy of this form.
Please note: If you can not access or see the online sign-up form linked above, please print and complete the form below and e-mail it back to us at ISS@denison.edu or fax it to 740-587-8656.