Host Family Program

The Lake Society Host Family Program provides international students with a “home away from home.” International students participating in the program are matched up with families of Lake Society members. The opportunity to make new friends, experience the family life of a local Richmond family and contribute to greater understanding of other cultures by educating Americans about your country are a few of the many rewards offered by this program.

Through the Lake Society Host Family Program you will become a member of a family, and receive invitations to visit their home and participate in such activities as:

• Birthday celebrations

• Picnics

• Outings to historical sites

• Occupational and professional experiences

• Sports events

• National holiday observances, such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July

The Lake Society, established in 1976, is a volunteer service organization of the University of Richmond. Made up of alumni in the Richmond metropolitan area, Lake Society volunteers serve as the official hosts of the University at concerts, plays, Presidential receptions and dinners, and sporting events. Lake Society members are ambassadors of the University, often the first to greet alumni, parents and visitors coming to campus. The Lake Society created the host family program for international students in 1987.

Host Family Program Application for Students

Host Family Program Application for Hosts

Quotes from Students

“Not only was the host family program a lot of fun, it helped me better understand the American culture and the different traditions and festivals they celebrate. It gave me a feeling of being home away from home. My host family was extremely helpful and definitely had a positive influence on my stay in the University of Richmond.”
~ Rishi Doshi, India, BR’01

“My host mom has been like a second mother to me from the first day I met her. She is a special woman with a generous heart and I feel that her care and concern for me and my life is nothing but genuine. She attends functions that are important to me and takes away some of the sadness of not having my real mom there. I am grateful for this program because it brought a wonderful person into my life.”
~ Monique Bowe, Bahamas, AW’02

“From advising me about my classes and majors to helping me adjust to my new social life, Ellen and Brian (my host parents) have played a major role in my college life. I remember the countless times they went to the trouble of transporting me to the malls and airports. Then there were those days when I needed to talk to someone and Ellen was always there for me despite her busy schedule. It's amazing how much they care about me. I know my college experience would have certainly been different and harder if I didn't have such nice, supportive, caring and loving host-parents like Ellen and Brian. My fondest and sweetest college memories are of those times I spent with them.”
~ Farheen Khurrum, Bangladesh, BW’0

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Ambassador Club

This program is available to all new international students. Returning UR students volunteer to welcome new international students to campus and help introduce new students to various aspects of campus life. Activities on and off campus are organized by the Office of International Education. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and learn more about U.S. culture. All students participating in the program are expected to meet with their ambassadors once per month in a casual setting and attend one organized club event per semester. Past activities included a trip to Jamestown and to Washington, D.C., a historical tour of Richmond, pot-luck dinner, ice-cream and bagel study breaks and trips to local sporting events.

Applications

Ambassador (returning UR students who host new international students) Students who would like to be an ambassador can complete an online application or download a fillable Word document.

If you are a current ambassador and require reimbursement from our office for an activity with your ambassadee, please complete the Ambassador Program Activity Reimbursement form.

Ambassadee (new UR international students who are hosted by returning students)

Students who would like to be an ambassadee can download a fillable Word document.

Two student coordinators are in charge of making the matches and organizing trips. Please email ambassadorclub@richmond.edu if you would like to participate in the program or for questions.

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Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904