The Internationalization Office at Memorial is once again inviting members of the Memorial community and the public to participate in the Holiday Hosting program.
Over the past several years, local families have shared their holiday traditions with students from all over the world, hosting them in their homes for holiday cheer and a meal on or around Christmas Day.
New friendships
The program gives both students and hosts the opportunity to be part of a multicultural gathering, experiencing and sharing in different family traditions.
Memorial alumna Amy Tam and her family have participated in the program during past Christmases and says the dinner marked the start of a new friendship.
“In 2014 we hosted two international students from China,” said Ms. Tam. “The students were gracious guests, and the dinner was more than a cultural exchange, it was the beginning of a friendship. We spent time together several times after Christmas Day. It was a great experience”
“I was welcomed by a very warm and lovely family.”
Jasmine Jiang is one of the two students who shared in the joy of the season with the Tam family. She also notes that her experience with the Holiday Hosting Program has extended beyond the joyous season.
“I was very glad that I participated in this Christmas event — I was welcomed by a very warm and lovely family,” said Ms. Jiang. “Amy and I have become friends since then and we still keep in touch with each other.”
Want to participate?
Interested hosts are encouraged to contact Siti Jalaluddin, international student advisor with Memorial’s Internationalization Office for details and to be matched with participating students.
