Saint Martin’s offers opportunities to increase cultural understanding
University seeks host families and cultural ambassadors
May 12, 2009
Lacey, Washington — Saint Martin’s University is
currently offering the following opportunities to local community
members who are interested in broadening their cultural horizons:
Cultural ambassadors
Saint Martin’s University is seeking high school and
college students to work as cultural ambassadors for the Office of
International Programs and Development. Cultural ambassadors earn $8–10
per hour or community service hours assisting foreign exchange students
who participate in the school’s summer programs. For information,
contact Mary Pilon, assistant director – community liaison of
International Programs and Development, at 360-438-4304 or
mpilon@stmartin.edu.
Host families
Saint Martin’s University is seeking families to
participate in the International Host Family Program this summer. Host
families open their homes to international students, introducing their
guests to American culture and family life. Both weekend and week-long
home stay opportunities are available.
The University’s Office of International Programs
and Development welcomes students from many different countries,
including China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. During their stay, students
study English, learn about life in the United States and visit sites of
interest in the Puget Sound area. The highlight of an international
student’s visit is the home stay, when students experience daily
activities and practice their English in conversations with their host
families. For families, it is an exciting and enjoyable opportunity to
learn more about another country, help promote cultural understanding
and build long-lasting friendships.
Participating families are asked to host a pair of
students and:
- Attend a one-hour Host Family Orientation Session.
- Provide a room for the students to share.
- Provide meals during the
students’ stay.
- Attend a dessert reception and a farewell dinner with
their students.
If your family is interested in hosting an
international student, contact Mary Pilon at 360-438-4304 or
mpilon@stmartin.edu.
Saint Martin’s University is an independent
four-year, Catholic, coeducational university located on a 320-acre
wooded campus in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic
Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 18 Benedictine
colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only
one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University prepares
students for successful lives through its 21 majors and six graduate
programs spanning the liberal arts, business, education and engineering.
Saint Martin’s welcomes 1,250 students from many ethnic and religious
backgrounds to its main campus, and 650 more to its five extension
campuses located at Fort Lewis Army Post, McChord Air Force Base,
Olympic College, Centralia College and Tacoma Community College.
For additional information:
Mary Pilon
Assistant director – community liaison
Office of International Programs and Development
Saint Martin’s University
360-438-4304
mpilon@stmartin.edu