Moraine Valley Looking For Local Residents To Host International Students

PALOS HILS, IL — Learn about another culture while welcoming an international student into your home. Moraine Valley Community College’s International Student Affairs Department has immediate needs for local residents to help integrate students into the U.S. and provide a safe place for them to stay through its Host Home Program.

Hundreds of international students from countries such as Ireland, South Korea, Vietnam, Poland, Congo, Japan and Sweden enroll at Moraine Valley, and many are in host homes throughout the community. Many need a safe place to live and learn for a minimum of one semester. Students pay hosts a monthly fee determined by the college.

Living with a local family helps international students practice English, learn the American culture, acclimate to their new environment, and abate cultural shock and loneliness. Hosts also benefit by learning about another country, its language and culture, and contribute to the student’s success while building international relationships and helping them adjust to the new environment.

Community members can host more than one student but must own their own home, condo or property, have a washing machine and dryer, access to the internet, and a private bedroom available. The home should be within 15 minutes of walking to the college or near a bus line (#385, 381 or 379).

International students must follow the same Illinois COVID-19 mandates required for local students and must either be vaccinated or have weekly COVID-19 testing.

For more information on hosting an international student, email international-admissions@morainevalley.edu or call (708) 974-5443.

This press release was produced by Moraine Valley Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.