Be a Social Host for an International Student

You may be able to anticipate the great benefits of studying abroad as a college student. Some of you may have experienced it firsthand! Learning a new language, a new culture, meeting new people. It is virtually a priceless experience! In addition to the tremendous education students receive by studying in the U.S., they can also learn so much from spending time with individuals and families doing the fun and educational things individuals and families do! Consider the opportunity to Be A Social Host! This is a two-way street. You will benefit as much from spending time with them as they will from spending time with you!

Apply to be a Social Host
Are you passionate about foreign cultures? Have you always wished to connect with people from across the globe? Do you enjoy sharing stories and hearing stories from people of diverse backgrounds? Would you love to share your knowledge of American culture and values with others? Do you want to learn more about the movies, foods, and holidays of other cultures? If so, then apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a social host with the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program!

What is the CCI Program?
The Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by NOVA, provides opportunities for individuals from other countries to develop leadership capabilities, professional skills, English language proficiency, and cultural understanding while studying at a community college in the United States. This year, Northern Virginia Community College is hosting 36 highly driven CCI Program participants from 11 countries at both the Annandale and Alexandria campuses for the year-long exchange program.

What do Social Hosts do?
To help better connect our participants with their new communities and facilitate stronger cultural understanding, the CCI Program is seeking social hosts from the NOVA community to play a key role in aiding the participants’ understanding of the United States and local community. Through your family, CCI exchange participants gain access to the real America, as opposed to just scratching the surface of U.S. culture by visiting as a tourist or watching American television. This experience is designed to be fun and fulfilling for both the social host and participant – in the past groups have watched movies, made cultural meals, celebrated holidays, discovered local history, and made lifelong friendships!

Social Host Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it, hear what past social hosts are saying about their experience with the CCI Program.

We had a life-changing experience as a host family. We watch the news so differently, now that we have hosted international students, in our family, we now have “Adopted Children” who have apiece of our heart even as they live half a world away.

-Kent B.

My children are grown, and the students bring back great memories of dealing with young adults at such an exciting phase of their lives. Both students have taken to my wife, and we all look forward to our meetings, both on campus and in the community. I am planning to have them at my family’s Christmas celebration, not only to have them experience an American celebration of this holiday but also to broaden the horizons of my children and grandchildren.

-John W.

What is the Commitment?
Attend an orientation prior to meeting with your student(s).

• Meet with your student once a month throughout the academic year.
• No financial obligation.

COVID-19 Safety:
The CCI Program encourages adherence to the latest CDC guidance.

How To Apply:
If you’re interested in being a CCI Program social host at either of our Northern Virginia Community College campuses, please register here or scan the QR code using your phone camera.

Submitted by:
Leeza Fernand, Assoc. Director of Intl. Ed., LFernand@nvcc.edu