Family Dinner Program
Thank you for your interest in Butler University's Family Dinner
Program for international students. Butler has over 150
international students from 60 countries. They come to the United
States not just to study, but to learn as much as they can about
us. Nationally, only about twenty percent of international students
enter an American home during their stay in this country. Yet,
being part of a family is one of the best ways of really learning a
culture and of dispelling myths and prejudices about it. By opening
your home to a student, you will be contributing to international
understanding. You will also have a lot of fun. Hosting a student
from another country is the next best thing to traveling there
yourself.
Commitment
We ask students and host families to share a meal together four
times during the academic year--usually twice in the fall semester
and twice in the spring semester. Some families and students will
want to get together more frequently--that is for you to work out
as your schedules permit. If possible, we ask your family to attend
a brief orientation session to discuss cross-cultural communication
before you meet your student.
Expectations
Butler's international students usually range in age from 18 to
their late twenties. Some will be shy; some gregarious. Some will
arrive with excellent oral English, while some may need help in
understanding how we handle invitations and social situations--but
that is all part of the learning. Hosting works best when you
simply include the student in your ordinary family activities or
adventures--apple-picking, trick-or-treating, a school holiday
concert, sledding or skating, or an Easter egg hunt. Some students
like to cook and might be delighted with an invitation to shop for
ingredients and use your kitchen to cook a meal "like mother used
to make". All would appreciate an occasional phone call, e-mail or
"goodie bag" handmade good luck card around finals. What you do is
really up to you and your student--ask lots of questions, be
prepared to answer just as many, and enjoy one another's
company.
To Sign Up:
Please complete the appropriate application form. You can do so
directly online using the web-based submission forms:
Student Application
Family
Application
Or complete a paper form and return it to the address or fax
below:
Student
Application (PDF)
Family
Application (PDF)
FAX: (317) 940-6572
Email: intstudents@butler.edu
Mail: International Student Services
Butler University
4600 Sunset Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Questions?
Email or call the International Student Services office at:
intstudents@butler.edu or
(317) 940-9888
IndyRen.com is a
website launched by one of our very own international students. It
is a website for
local Chinese students and Americans
to share information and ideas. Browse the site today!
