Another family in America, Host Family

At OU, there is a program called Host Family in which OU’s incoming exchange students are connected with an American family. OU’s many exchange students make another family, who not only help them to adjust in America life, but also provides them with experience to learn America culture.

The official name of Host Family is ‘Friends to International Students’, but the former name is more famous. In this semester, 92 host families are with their host children, and 52 exchange students applied for this program. A host family can have a student or 5 students who are from different countries. Between host sisters or brothers, closed relationships are made and are as a basis for international relationships. Last semester, 209 exchange students applied for this program and had their host family. Host families try to give their students a great chance to experience America culture like going to a farm and riding a horse or being invited and eating dinner together.

Education Abroad holds the first orientation about this program every semester, and receives applications from all exchange students who participate in this orientation. After that, Host Family can select their students considering the students’ interests or countries. EA gives a host family some information about school activities to provide meeting opportunities between host family and students. However, many host families usually meet their students one day every week and do many activities together. This program makes many exchange students receive a richer experience in America, and feel strong belonging.

This program started 5 years ago. At first, a few exchange students wanted to make a connection with an American family. However, after 2 years, 200 students applied for this program per year. One year later, 250 students made relationships with many American families who live in Norman or Oklahoma City. Nowadays EA tries to improve this program through more students’ participation.

Diana Tiffany, a staff assistant of Education Abroad and International Student Services said, “This program has the purpose of building closed relationships between international students and American family and keeping their connection after students go back to their country.” She also said that exchange students receive nice opportunities to improve their English abilities and meet people who become a great supporter overall while they are in America.

The orientation about host family is held every January and September. However, if you want to make another family in America, you can do this anytime by connecting with EA. After connecting with them, they try to find a great host family who will support your American life. You can find more information about host family on the Education Abroad webpage.