By Brandon Andersen

With an increasing number of foreign students attending Buffalo State College every year, host families are always a necessity.

“ We look for families that will open their homes to the students. Bring them in and share an occasional meal, spend holidays with and make their stay more enjoyable,” said Dr. Jean Gounard, Director of International Student Affairs. “ We want the students to see the true face of America outside of academia”

100 families currently host international students. Under the structure of the program:
- Families keep consistent contact with the student, scheduling events and visits at least once a week.
- Students and their families share special events such as holidays, family dinners and attending sporting events with their families.
- Families however are not required to house the students or support them financially. ISA offices handle all housing and financial issues.

Students attend Buffalo State from about 55 countries, with most coming from Asian countries such as Japan, India, China and Korea. The school has been hosting international students since 1955.

International students also get the chance to teach other students about their culture through the Global Perspectives program. “ Students go into area schools and talk to the students about their culture and about their home country.” said Dr. Gounard.

If you are interested in being a host family, contact International Students Affairs at 878-5331 or visit them in Student Union 400.

Brandon Andersen can be reached at Andebe89@buffalostate.edu

Related links:
Www.Buffalostate.edu/internationalstudentaffairs
www.aceglobal.org
www.lsi-america.com