More Americans open their homes, their hearts

When asked about the best way to learn English, many former ELI students immediately respond, "Live with an American family!" Spending time in an American home and immersing oneself in the daily life of an English speaking family is by far one of the best ways to facilitate language learning.

ELI students visited the home of host family coordinator Anne Rogers (center) in May.

The Homestay and Host Family programs, coordinated by Nancy Purcell and Anne Rodgers and assisted by Bill Cooke, have grown considerably this past year. Purcell reports that the Host Family program, which matches ELI students with families in the area for occasional get-togethers, connected almost 300 students this past year. Currently, there are 160 families participating in the Host Family Program. Likewise, the Homestay Program matches ELI students with American families. However, these students actually live in American homes and become members of their Homestay families. More than 100 families have participated in long-term and short-term homestays this past year. The experience of offering international students a "home away from home" is mutually rewarding, said Ida Mae Frock, a current Homestay participant.

"This program has given me great joy and has diversified the concept of 'Mom.' I am given the opportunity to share our customs while learning wonderful things about the cultures of the world," said Frock. "My arms and heart remain open to all the 'children' I have yet to meet."

Highlights of the year included 100% Homestay coverage for 55 students from Japan who came to study for the month of March. These students came from Hiroshima Institute of Technology and Kobe Shoin Women's University. In addition, two barbecues were hosted over the summer by some of the Host families. All Homestay and Host families were invited, along with their students, for an enjoyable day of games and good food.

The Purcell family traveled to Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong in November 2000. At that time, they visited many of the students they had grown to know and love in Newark. The next trip for the Purcell family is planned for April 2002, when they will go to Brazil and visit many of the Brazilians who have graduated from ELI.

For more information about the Homestay or Host Family Program, contact Nancy Purcell at rtp@aol.com.