Leslie Grant, international and transfer admissions counselor at Southwestern College, would like to invite families from around the area to consider becoming host families for international students.

Southwestern College is the temporary home of more than 100 students from around the world.  They come to Winfield from China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries.

Local “host” families are matched with new international students as a way to help them adjust to life in the United States. 

“It’s a nice way for a new person to the United States to spend time with an American family when schedules permit,” Grant says.  “The time each student and family spends together varies. Some families enjoy having their student over for dinner or maybe a meal out. Some families will come to their students sporting events and campus activities as a way to show support.”

There is no fee to become a host family and the students do not live with their host families.

There are four main events each year that the international students and their host families are invited to attend.  Two of those events occur in the month of November, the International Cuisine Dinner and Thanksgiving Dinner.

The International Cuisine Dinner will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Southwestern College cafeteria.  Community members along with Southwestern College faculty and staff are invited to come taste foods from around the world.

The Thanksgiving event will be Monday, Nov. 17, at Grace United Methodist Church and will allow the international students an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving feast for the first time.  

The other events during the year are a Chinese New Year celebration in the spring and the Welcome Picnic at the beginning of September.

Allan and Susan Norton became involved in the program 17 years ago while Don  and Betsy Drennan enjoyed 15 years. Both couples have decided to retire from the program this year.

“They were wonderful, fulfilling years,” Susan says.  “We became very close friends (with the Drennans), the program expanded, and we got many Winfield couples involved with the international students and the college.  We made friendships with students all over the world.”
“Once the student graduates you may never hear from them again, and then you may have a friend forever,” Betsy added.

For more information about the program, contact Grant at (620) 229-6269.

“If you are interested in a cultural experience and making lasting relationships that will last a lifetime, this program is for you,” Grant says.