Two adults with a student smiling with tables and chairs in background

Host Family Program

Host families play an important role in the experience of an international student at ʳɫ¹ÙÍø. Host families range from single individuals to families with children. They are active members of the community and have a desire to learn more about another culture. 

Host families commit to hosting an international student for the duration of their stay at Davidson. This is usually for a four-year period. Ideally, families and students should meet at least once a month but keep in contact with each other on a more regular basis.

Host Family's Responsibilities

  • Communicate with your student on a regular basis
  • Plan an activity with your student whenever it is convenient
  • Invite your student into your home
  • Learn about your student's culture and country
  • Be a friend to your student
  • Participate in host family events whenever possible
  • Notify International Student Engagement if you are unable to continue in the program

Please note that host families are not financially responsible for their student, and host families are not expected to provide support beyond the comfort level of their personal/family circumstances.

Student's Role

  • Communicate with their host family on a regular basis
  • Return all phone calls/emails from their host family promptly
  • Accept invitations from their host family whenever possible
  • Share their culture with their host family, and learn from their host family about their culture
  • Participate in host family events whenever possible
  • Notify International Student Engagement if they are unable to continue in the program

Host Family Events

International Student Engagement organizes events for students and their host families. These events are fun opportunities to spend time with your "adopted" student, meet his/her friends, and socialize with other host families. In the past, these events have included:

  • Cookouts at the ʳɫ¹ÙÍø Lake Campus
  • Halloween party
  • Family bowling
  • Cruise on the Catawba Queen
  • Charlotte Hornets games
  • ʳɫ¹ÙÍø sporting events
  • Family ice skating
  • Lazy 5 Ranch
International Students at Hornets Game

Davidson international students at a Hornets game, one of many host family outings.