Host Families - Colorado College

Our office sponsors a host family program for international students who are interested in getting to know a local family. The program officially lasts for your first year at CC, but many students remain close to their families throughout their four years at the college. We hope that you and your host family will form a friendship that will last long after you leave CC.

Although you will be living on campus, your host family will invite you to do things with them throughout the year. You and your host family may go on outings together, they may take you shopping, or you may make a traditional meal for them from your country. You and your hosts will decide what kind of relationship is comfortable.

Download the Host Family Preference Form.

What is the host family program?

The Colorado College international student host family program is designed to provide students with a "home away from home" during their time at CC. Host families offer an introduction to American culture and family life, while learning about the culture of students' home countries. Students and hosts often develop close friendships that last even after the students return home.

What are the responsibilities of host families?

If you are selected as a host, the only requirement of the program is to meet with your student throughout his/her first year at the College. Have your student over for an occasional dinner, or attend campus events with him/her. You and your student will decide how much involvement is comfortable for you, and forming a friendship will most likely come naturally! While you are only committed to hosting a student for one year, we hope that you will stay in contact, and that your relationship will last throughout the student's time in Colorado - and longer!

Who are the students?

Colorado College international students come from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Some students have traveled extensively; others may be leaving home for the first time. Your student may have very limited knowledge of the United States, or may have studied American politics and culture extensively. The important thing is to be able to respect the student's different world-views and be able to learn about their culture through their experiences and ideas.

Is hosting right for you?

If you are interested in other cultures, sensitive to cultural differences, and willing to open up your home an international student, hosting could be a wonderful experience for you. Potential families will complete an application and be interviewed in order for us to make the best possible match between families and students. However, because we may not be able to meet everybody's needs, we do ask for flexibility!

How can you get involved?

If you would like to become a host for Colorado College international students, please contact our office at (719) 389-6802. We hope you have a wonderful experience hosting!