IHP Offers Opportunity for Community to Engage With International Students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2014) — The University of Kentucky International Hospitality Program (IHP) is seeking "host families" for the spring semester.

Approximately 200 new international students will enroll during the spring semester at the University of Kentucky. Of these, many will join IHP in hopes of being "matched" with a family or single person.

IHP "host families" participate in sponsored events that help integrate international students into the UK community. Families do not provide housing for international students. Students cover their own basic expenses of housing, food and insurance. 

Though the host commitment lasts one year, lifelong bonds are often formed.

According to an annual survey by the Institute of International Education, during the fall 2013 semester a total of 2,225 international students enrolled at UK, representing 116 countries.  These students represent various levels and 27 fields of study.

If you are interested in joining this program, contact Mary Lynne Vickers, Host Development chair at 859-361-9603, email: mvickers@uky.edu or Judy Wiglesworth Phillips, Public Relations chair at 859-277-2224.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu