Intensive English Program Searching for Oxford Host Families

The Intensive English Program at the University of Mississippi gives students the opportunity to study English in a supportive classroom environment, but understands that learning does not end the moment the student steps out of class.

“International students are often living away from home for the first time,” Laura Vaughn, IEP coordinator, said. “Living in a dorm can be very hard for students who don’t have a support system in the United States. Host families give international students the support system that they need in order to adjust to life in a new country.”
This is why IEP is looking for host families who are able to host one or two international students from Japan in their home during their month-long stay in Oxford, Miss. Interested host families need to be able to spend time with their student during meals or the evening, provide the student with two meals each day, provide a private bedroom and access to a quiet space for homework, and live near an OUT bus line or provide transportation.
The IEP students will be in Oxford from August 19 to September 14, 2014. The program is expecting between 15 and 20 students, so they need the help of 15 to 20 host families. However, if any families are interested in hosting more than one student, that would be wonderful.
“Hosting an international student is a wonderful opportunity,” Vaughn said. “Host families are able to learn about another culture they may not be familiar with, and they are able to share their own traditions with a student who is eager to learn. It’s a great way for families to experience something new, and to see life from a new perspective.”
Host families come from all walks of life and are part of the students’ American experience. For more information on becoming a host family or about the Intensive English Program, please contact program coordinator Vaughn at 662-915-1560 or by email at iep@olemiss.edu.