Host Family Program Application
Dear Friend of Angelo State University,
In the fall of 2000, we started a program at ASU ~ matching incoming International Students with host families here in San Angelo. The students do not live with the host families (they live on campus), but would be involved with them in various ways during their time in San Angelo.I have outlined the basic responsibilities of the Host Families, and hope you will be interested in joining us in this very rewarding cultural experience. I am emailing you with this information because either I have talked to you personally, or your name has been given to me by a friend indicating you may be interested in this program. Married or single persons are welcome to be Host Families. You do not have to be a graduate of Angelo State University to participate, but we would be happy to have you join the Alumni Association as a friend of ASU if you wish.
Basic host family responsibilities include:
- Have a genuine interest in being a local "family" for your student.
- Correspond with your student and their family before his/her arrival here if possible.
- Meet & greet your student when they arrive at the airport & help them get settled in to their apartment or the dorm.
- Invite your student to your home at least monthly during the semester for lunch or dinner, or out to a community event.
- Invite your student to be with your family for any holidays during the semester if you are in town, and celebrate your student's birthday if applicable.
- Attend special international student-sponsored events if possible.
- Expose your student to as much "Texas Culture" as possible!
These students typically have a high academic standing & are Carr Scholarship recipients. We have had great reviews from students & families about this program. The students come from various countries, including Germany, Scotland, France, India, China, Bulgaria, Russia, Zimbabwe, Trinidad, Bangladesh, Mexico, Nigeria, Estonia and more. Some are here only one semester (Mexico), the others are here from one year to several. Some are older graduate students, others are freshmen. You can see some pictures & a little more about the program on the International Student Association website for ASU.
I know we can give them all a warm welcome into our West Texas homes, and the cultural interaction between these students & their host families & children, will be a great enhancement to the International studies program at Angelo State University, and also to San Angelo. The majority of our students arrive for the fall semester, but we usually have a small number in January as well. We try to match the host families as soon as we hear from the students.
If you are interested in becoming a "Host Family", please reply by giving us some personal information on the following form. You may email me at barbbarnhart@suddenlink.net or call me at 944-1347, evenings, for more information. My fax number is the same.