Bethel College

Host Family Program

The Host Family Program connects Bethel students who are far from home with local community members who offer something simple but meaningful: a familiar face, a warm meal, and someone in their corner.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

A family
away from Home

Whether a student has traveled from across the country or across the world, having someone rooted in the Newton community makes Bethel feel that much more like home.

Host families share meals, attend campus events, offer a ride when it’s needed, or simply send a supportive check-in text. Students gain a community connection that no campus resource can replicate: someone who’s cheering for them, not because it’s their job, but because they genuinely care.

It’s one of the most meaningful things a community member can do for a Bethel student — and one of the most memorable parts of a student’s college years.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

What students say about having a host family

The host family program is having someone who cares about you when far away from the family, always having someone to reach out to when looking for guidance on resources.

— Elena Jugović, Belgrade, Serbia

The benefits of the host family program is relying on people that care for you and are willing to do what they can to help you out.

— Dani Casique, Valencia, Venezuela

The benefits of the host family program are tremendous, having a home away from home and building a meaningful connection with people you will know for the rest of your life during undergrad is unmatched.

— Meriem Dhouibi, Tunis, Tunisia

The host family program helps a student gain a sturdy support system in the community away from their own.

— Alexis Marlow, The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

The host family program is having someone to welcome and introduce you to the community, pretty much the first person you can reach out to when having a question.

— Elena Jugović, Belgrade, Serbia

The host family program is important because at times it is good to have an adult or somebody with experience who can guide and advise you if necessary, especially being alone in a different country.

— Dani Casique, Valencia, Venezuela

Host families can be the missing puzzle piece in a student’s life, especially in an environment like Bethel’s that can feel small sometimes.

— Meriem Dhouibi, Tunis, Tunisia

I have appreciated when we go out and eat, do different activities and knowing that they care for me, in my sport and academics.

— Dani Casique, Valencia, Venezuela

Host families alleviate some of the burdens of a new place, can help students with transportation, or understanding concepts like navigating healthcare and emotional support you didn’t know you may need.

— Alexis Marlow, The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Host families benefit from getting to know a person during a very important and transitional time in their lives, which makes the bond that much stronger.

— Meriem Dhouibi, Tunis, Tunisia

My experience with the host family program so far has been great, and I believe that if I were paired with anyone else, it wouldn’t be the same.

— Elisabeth Rowe, Dermott, Arkansas

What I’ve appreciated most about the host family program is how my host family has enthusiastically supported me introducing them to things from my home like trying new foods and speaking about traditions.

— Alexis Marlow, The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Having a host family means having a home away from home, incredible support, someone to talk to, and new experiences.

— Elisabeth Rowe, Dermott, Arkansas

Even just knowing someone here is always in your corner is comforting.

— Alexis Marlow, The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
THE PROCESS

How it works

Getting started is simple. We handle the matching — you just tell us about yourself.

1

Fill out an interest form

Tell us a little about yourself — your interests, your schedule, and what kind of connection you’re hoping for.

2

Potential host families complete a background check

This helps us keep all students safe and gives families and students confidence from day one.

3

Get matched

We thoughtfully pair families and students to create welcoming, supportive matches for all.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

A few things to keep in mind

To protect both students and host families, Bethel College asks that all host families observe the following guidelines throughout their participation in the program.

Please refrain from:

  • Loaning money to students
  • Serving alcohol to students of any age
  • Purchasing books or covering living expenses for students
  • Paying any portion of tuition, room, or board
  • Loaning the student a car
  • Funding medical care or benefits
BACKGROUND CHECK

Keeping our students safe

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students, Bethel College requires all host families to complete a background check before being matched with a student.

  1. All adults in a single, married, or partnered household must complete this step.
  2. There is no cost to families.
  3. Download the Background Check Authorization Form below. A completed form is required for each adult in the household.
  4. Once all forms are completed, email one per adult in the household to hostfamilyprogram@bethelks.edu.
  5. Once the form is filled out and returned, it will be submitted and typically completed within one week.
Background Check Authorization Form

Completion and approval of the background check is required before advancing in the Host Family Program. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to hostfamilyprogram@bethelks.edu.

WHO'S THIS FOR?

There's a place for you in this program

COMMUNITY MEMBERS & LOCAL ALUMNI

Become a Host Family

  • No housing or financial commitment required
  • Matched based on your interests and availability
  • Complimentary admission to your students’ home athletic events
  • Supported by a program coordinator from day one
  • Be a part of a student’s Bethel story
Family Interest Form
STUDENTS FAR FROM HOME

Find Your Local Family

  • Open to all international and domestic students far from home.
  • Matched with a family based on shared interests
  • Flexible — as involved as you want it to be
  • Access to local community, rides, and real-world support
  • Completely voluntary, no obligation to continue
Student Interest Form
COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

A need may arise during winter and summer breaks; however, you are not required to house your host student.

As much or as little as works for you. Some families connect with their student weekly; others check in monthly or stay in touch throughout the semester in ways that feel natural. There is no required time commitment — the relationship grows organically over time.

Interest forms from both families and students are thoughtfully reviewed, pairing families and students to create welcoming, supportive matches for all.

No. All Bethel students have sufficient English proficiency. Many host families and students enjoy learning about each other’s languages and cultures — but it’s never a requirement.

There is no program fee for host families or students. Host families are encouraged (but never required) to share meals or outings. As a small thank-you, host families receive complimentary admission to their students’ home athletic events.

Coordinator Karin Kaufman Wall is always available to support both families and students. If a pairing isn’t the right fit, we’ll work with you to find a better match — no questions asked.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you're a community member or a student far from home, we'd love to connect you.