International Hospitality Program

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What is IHP?

   IHP is a friendship program. The International Students do not live with their host families. It is made up of a group of community and campus families who wish to enrich the lives of their families and the international students at SIUE.

What is the Purpose of IHP?

  To Promote mutually rewarding relationships between American families and International Students at SIUE.

What does IHP include?

  Host family assignments, social gatherings, picnics, Welcome Bags for new International Students, some household items, sometimes emergency housing, discussion groups and the International Women's Organization.

What does IHP accomplish?

It helps students adjust to our culture and society while providing a means for our families to learn and understand more about other people and cultures- developing friendships through mutual sharing and exchange.

About Special Features of IHP:

Host families help secure donated (not new but good) household items such as kitchenware, plates, glasses, cutlery, linens and furniture for the students.

The International Women's Organization provides cross- cultural social activities for female international students, wives, families and American Women.

IHP works in cooperation with SIUE International Student Services Office.

What is a Host family?

Caring friends who are interested in you. They can be your "family" away from home.

How do I get a host family?

Click on International Students link above and complete the form , or contact SIUE International Student Services Office, 650-3785.

What does a host family do?

Contact you as soon as possible, perhaps meet you when you arrive; invite you to their home, so that you will feel you have a "family". They may offer advice on banking, shopping, laundry facilities, automobile responsibilities, housing and health concerns.

What does a host family expect of me?

They would like you to be a friend. Inform them of food preferences or restrictions. Be prompt, especially to a meal. Be honest when you accept or decline invitations. Tell them of changes in phone number and address.

What does a host family not help with?

Financial or immigration problems and academic advice. Insurance and liability laws make lending automobiles very inadvisable.

What if it is not a good relationship?

Request a different family if you wish by calling one of the telephone numbers listed in Contact us or by contacting the SIUE International Student Services Office.

Where do I find out about IHP activities?

Newsletters, SIUE International Student Services Office including ISS Friday online Newsletter, host families orientation sessions. All international students are invited to events sponsored by IHP.

What does a host family do?

After being assigned a student(s) arrange to meet with them; locate banks; grocery shopping and going to the mall; laundromats, drug stores, post office, doctors, dentists, etc. Make sure students know your full name, address, and phone number, and that you know theirs. Invite them to an occasional  family meal (inquire about dietary restrictions); include them in holiday celebrations; ask them to accompany you to typical American events. Learn about student's home countries and cultural backgrounds. Be aware of their birthdays and special holidays.

What does a host family not do?

Responsibility of the host family does not include financial aid, visas, disciplinary rights of parenthood, or permanent housing.

What does a host family need to be aware of?

Don't make quick assumptions about communication. Be sure everyone understands what is being said. Avoid discussing sensitive subjects and proselytizing. Don't be hurt or discouraged if they refuse an invitation.

What if there are problems?

Call on IHP Executive Committee member, the International Student Services Adviser, or the  VC Student Affairs.

What are the dues for IHP?

Dues are $10.00 per year per host family. Please make checks payable to IHP. There is no cost to students.

Who are people to contact?

SIUE International Student Services (618-650-3785)