Welcome to the New HostPost eNewsletter!

We are very excited to introduce the very first issue of the HostPost eNewsletter! As we learn this new system we will be able to share information regarding any changes to policies or procedures that are implemented. Please print them out and put them in your host family manual for you to refer to when needed. We will also be able to keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings in the International Programs Office. We will be posting contests and fun things to do with your students. If you have something host family related that you would like to see here, please e-mail Terri at tjensen@greenriver.edu for consideration. Thanks, and welcome to  GRCC's HostPost eNewsletter.

Host Family Photo Contest

Congratulations to Mary and Gabriel Zlavog for their  winning story and photograph (see below). The Zlavogs won an Asian Food Basket.

"Being a host family is a unique experience for us. In the past five months we have learned a lot about Chinese and Vietnamese culture and our students learned about American and Romanian culture. We are having a lot of fun together either cooking an Asian dish, an American dessert, or going places. We took our students to Snoqualmie Falls, Little Si and Crystal Mountain.

The picture was taken on a snowy day -January 31st, 2007 at Crystal Mountain. For our Vietnamese student, Hieu, it was the first time in her life to see and play in the snow, and for our Chinese student Yuye, maybe the second time. The first time was when she was a little girl. Our daughter Bianca, was teaching the girls how to make a snow angel, and in this picture our students were turning her into a snowman. We think the purpose of the program is about having fun together and learning about different cultures."

Thank  you to all who participated in our contest.

Host Family Appreciation Dinner

A big THANK YOU for attending the Host Family appreciation night. We had 109 host family members and students attend dinner and the play. It was great to see everyone and get to enjoy an evening out. We thought the play was just great - there were over 50 actors and they all did such a good job. Here is a photo of the Arnolds, and their student Bulgan, with the “Tin Man”.

Heavier Than Air Theatre presents the
“Wizard of Oz”

Moving On

Living in a Host Family can be a very valuable, positive experience - one that your student will remember for years to come. You are a stepping stone for them; from mom and dad, to host family, to being on their own. What they learn from you can help them in so many ways, from knowing when to throw expired food out to learning the responsibilities of being on their own.

Please be open to the idea of your students "moving on”. Some are ready in a couple months, others take years. Don't take it personally if a student is ready to venture out into getting an apartment with friends. It’s all part of the process of growing up. Helping them to transition through this process can make it a more positive experience for your student than if they go it alone. Maybe sharing your story of "moving on" is a great way for you to open a conversation about this transition. There are so many things you can help your student understand. For example, you don’t just move to an apartment. There are leases, utilities, roommates, neighbors, and landlords to deal with. Let alone-guess what?? NO furniture or dishes are provided! We have so many students that come to the office asking us to find them a furnished apartment, an option that must be more available in their own countries. Some come in also, realizing what a mistake they have made, and want to go back to host family life.

So as students are contemplating the big move, please take time to see what plans are ahead and maybe you can help guide them through the process.

Refer a Friend!

If you know someone that has been thinking about becoming a great host family like you, please tell them about our program. The first thing they would need to do is come to a “New” host family orientation. Sarah conducts them about once a month. They can call the information line at 253-833-9111 extension 2129 to find out about the next meeting time. If they complete the process and become one of our host families, we will give you a Starbucks gift card. Thank you for referring quality host families!

Upcoming Events

Are you looking for things to do with your students? Here are some events that are coming up that we think you will all enjoy:

• May 5 - Baildores de Bronce - Celebración Cino de Mayo - 7:30 p.m. - Lindbloom Center - Come and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a colorful and festive performance by the best Mexican regional dance troupe in the Puget sound. Sponsored by the Latino Student Union. FREE

Terri's Trivia Challenge

Which of the current host families has been hosting the longest? E-mail your guess to Terri.

The correct answer will be published in the next HostPost  eNewsletter.

Contact Information