Host Family Program

The Lake Society Host Family Program provides international students with a “home away from home.” International students participating in the program are matched up with families of University of Richmond alumni, faculty, and staff.  Being a part of the Host Family Program gives international students the opportunity to make new friends, experience the family life of a local Richmond family and contribute to greater understanding of other cultures by educating Americans about their country.  While host students exude appreciation for their hosts, host families say the arrangement is mutually beneficial--they get to meet and befriend new and interesting people from all over the world, exposing themselves and their families to different cultures and ideas and creating life-long bonds along the way.  

Applications

Host Family Program Application for Students

Host Family Program Application for Hosts

About the Lake Society

The Lake Society, established in 1976, is a volunteer service organization of the University of Richmond. Made up of alumni in the Richmond metropolitan area, Lake Society volunteers serve as the official hosts of the University at concerts, plays, Presidential receptions and dinners, and sporting events. Lake Society members are ambassadors of the University, often the first to greet alumni, parents and visitors coming to campus. The Lake Society created the host family program for international students in 1987.

Student Testimonials

“Not only was the host family program a lot of fun, it helped me better understand the American culture and the different traditions and festivals they celebrate. It gave me a feeling of being home away from home. My host family was extremely helpful and definitely had a positive influence on my stay in the University of Richmond.”
~ Rishi Doshi, India

“My host mom has been like a second mother to me from the first day I met her. She is a special woman with a generous heart and I feel that her care and concern for me and my life is nothing but genuine. She attends functions that are important to me and takes away some of the sadness of not having my real mom there. I am grateful for this program because it brought a wonderful person into my life.”
~ Monique Bowe, Bahamas

“From advising me about my classes and majors to helping me adjust to my new social life, Ellen and Brian (my host parents) have played a major role in my college life. I remember the countless times they went to the trouble of transporting me to the malls and airports. Then there were those days when I needed to talk to someone and Ellen was always there for me despite her busy schedule. It's amazing how much they care about me. I know my college experience would have certainly been different and harder if I didn't have such nice, supportive, caring and loving host-parents like Ellen and Brian. My fondest and sweetest college memories are of those times I spent with them.”
~ Farheen Khurrum, Bangladesh

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