Centralia College in search of International Host Families for International Students

Each year Centralia College welcomes international students from around the globe. For many of those students, living with host families is their first choice. That living arrangement increases understanding of diverse cultures for both the student and the host family.

There is an urgent need for host families, especially in homes within walking distance of the campus.

Students bring a rich and diverse population to the college and Centralia, Laju Nankani, International Programs director, said.

"Host families are the ‘safe haven’ that foreign parents of U.S.-bound students hope and pray for and their world will definitely seem bigger and brighter as family members interact with our international students and create lasting friendships," Nankani said. "Host families are critical to the success of International Programs and we are grateful for the generous commitment to this extraordinary experience."

Host families have support from International Programs staff and receive a stipend from the student to offset costs associated with caring for students. Many families host students year after year, some do so two at a time.

One such family is Pete and Janet Corwin of Centralia. Since 1979 the Corwins have hosted a total of 47 students from too many countries to remember, Janet Corwin said.

"The students bring so much enjoyment to our lives," Corwin said. "With the internet we are able to stay in contact with them that it’s like we have an extended family all over the world."

This past year, the Corwins hosted a student from Hong Kong who graduated this spring and will be hosting two new students from Hong King in the fall.

"It’s always so exciting to meet the next student," Corwin said. "We can’t wait to get to know them and learn about their families and culture."

For information on becoming a host family contact Nankani at (360) 736-9391, ext. 492