BECOME A HOST FAMILY
AVILA HOMESTAY WEEKEND OPPORTUNITY IN JULY FOR 5 FEMALE RUSSIAN STUDENTS HERE WITH US STATE DEPARTMENT PRETIGIOUS PROGRAM
Avila University has been selected to host five female Russian undergraduate students this July as part of the prestigious SPARK Program, a U.S. State Department initiative designed to build mutual understanding between future global leaders. These students represent a remarkable group, some of the most talented young people from regional areas across Russia, as well as top-performing students from prestigious universities in St. Petersburg.
A key component of the program includes a weekend homestay experience with local families. Avila has asked ISI to provide families or individuals that would welcome one of these students for one weekend in their home.
WE ARE PRAYING FOR 5 FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS TO STEP FORWARD FOR THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIY TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF THESE STUDENTS.
We need those who can host the weekend of July 11-13 or July 18-20. If you could take 2 students, let us know that in case we are short on families.
TIMEFRAME COMMITTMENT: The homestay will typically be for 2 nights: Friday evening through Sunday afternoon or early evening. Pick-up is usually Friday between 4:00–5:00 PM from the Avila University campus. There might be some flexibility to 6pm. Avila will give us the specific pickup location. Students will need to be returned between 4:00-6:00pm Sunday evening. Sunday evening meal with you is encouraged since Avila does not have Sunday meal service during the summer program. If the Sunday meal is not possible, we will let Avila know.
WHAT ACTIVITIES WE ARE HOPING FOR YOU TO PROVIDE: Students are looking forward to cultural experiences, family time, sightseeing, and relaxed conversation. Ball games, picnics, fun at home, etc. Simple, meaningful time with your family is perfect! We understand that not all families can provide fee-based outings or meals at restaurants. A home-cooked meal or a walk in the park can be just as impactful. Students should not participate in high-risk activities such as trampolining, indoor skydiving, or unsupervised water activities. Please check with us if you're unsure about any activity.
Students will sign a general liability and conduct waiver, which extends to host families. Additionally, ISI’s own waiver form will also be signed by the students. Avila will share a schedule of organized outings with all host families so you can plan your weekend activities accordingly and avoid overlap.
ENGLISH LEVEL: All students have a functional level of English and are able to communicate effectively in conversational settings. While there may be a range in fluency, they are all comfortable engaging with English-speaking hosts.
It is amazing how God can use even just a weekend in someone's life!
Please contact Carol at cdouglass@internationalstudents.org to let me know you are up for inviting a Russian student into your home for a weekend in July. Please let me know as soon as possible, but no later than July 25.