November 6, 2000
As most students pack their belongings to head home for the holidays, many international students and scholars will remain on campus instead of returning home to their families. But a new program, sponsored by the Global Education Center and International Services, can make the holiday break and the students' stay in the United States more enriching by having them spend time with a host family.
The Community Friends Program pairs international students with participating host families interested in giving the students a taste of American culture.
John Specchio of Human Ecology has hosted international students in the past and is participating in the Community Friends Program. "It's important to strengthen the bonds of international ties and raise the students' cultural awareness," he said. "I've done a lot of work with international students, from teaching twice a year in China to hosting students. The students experience the holidays by spending a day or two with my family. It's important to teach and learn from all types of people."
Jacqueline Leighton, director of International Services, encourages others to get involved. "Faculty and staff shouldn't feel intimidated to host," she said. "It doesn't have to be a big commitment. Something as simple as taking someone to dinner, shopping or to a museum means a lot."
Students and hosts are paired according to common interests, nationality, field of study, family status or recreational interests.
Approximately 800 international students and scholars are on campus this semester. About 50 students live in the Clove Road apartments or Russ Hall, the two residence halls that are open year round.
Next week, colleges and universities across the country will celebrate International Education Week in this first-ever designation by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State.
For Marina Cunningham, director of the Global Education Center, every week is International Education Week at Montclair State. "We have international activities all the time," she said. "We celebrate 52 weeks a year." This is the perfect time, she said, for families to get involved in the Community Friends Program. Anyone interested in inviting an international student for Thanksgiving dinner should call the Global Education Office today at 4499.