Thiel College seeks host families for international students

Staff report

GREENVILLE, PA.

Thiel College Office of International Student Affairs needs families to support international students as part of its Host Family Program.

The program is in its fifth year and provides familial support for international students through weekly meetings with a host family on or off campus.

This fall, the college is hosting 44 international students and is looking to recruit 10 to 15 families. About 150 students have been involved in the program since its beginning in 2011.

Families typically reach out by phone or email before inviting students to their homes for a meal, to a restaurant or to shop, attending campus events together or for the holidays.

These meetings provide students with a safe environment off campus to learn in depth about American culture, traditions, customs and values. It also helps perfect their English skills and allows them to share their cultural background.

For information, contact Shannon Reesh, assistant dean of student life and director of international student affairs, at sreesh@thiel.edu or 724-859-2126.