Host Family Program

Host families have a priceless opportunity to establish a relationship with a Saint Mary's College student from another country. The Host Family Program matches international students with American families in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. Host families can be singles, couples, families with children, or anyone who would enjoy sharing the time to develop a friendship with an international student.

The international students and their host families get together about once a month to do things such as cooking a meal, watching movies, celebrating a birthday or just to spending time together. Some families plan excursions with their host student during breaks from school, others share their family holiday and religious traditions. However, please know this is not a home-stay program.*

Getting to know more about the American culture and the American family structure is one of the goals of the host family program. This is a wonderful opportunity for host families and international students. Through personal interaction everyone is able to gain cultural knowledge and begin to deconstruct any learned stereotypes. Furthermore, this is an invaluable opportunity for international students that will enrich your life in the United States. If you would like to join the program, please contact Siqin Yang, student advisor.

* (If you are looking for a host family who will be able to provide you with a place to stay over the winter break, you need to contact with your international student advisor. No students are allowed to stay on campus over the winter break.)

Invitation for International Students (pdf)
Invitation to be a Host Family (pdf)

CWIL · 9 Havican Hall · Saint Mary's College · Notre Dame, IN · 46556-5001 · Phone: (574) 284-4051 · Fax: (574) 284-4141 · E-mail:

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