Wartburg College is seeking host families for nearly 60 new international students arriving in August. 

Jenna Rinehart, director of international student services, said Wartburg expects to enroll a record 155 international students when Fall Term begins in September, topping the previous mark of 143.

More than 110 Waverly area families already participate in the International Host Family Program.

“Waverly residents and the surrounding communities have been very supportive of the host family program,” Rinehart said. “They offer our international students the opportunity to gain an authentic American family experience. Hosting an international student is an easy way for local families to learn more about different cultures, while also creating a warm and welcoming environment for students from around the world.”

Host families do not house, act as advisers for or financially sponsor international students. They meet with their student throughout the year to share meals and participate in a variety of cultural activities. The college holds potluck dinners for the students and host families during the Fall, Winter and May terms.

Connie Luo, a sophomore from Belize, said her host family played an important role in her transition to life in Waverly.

“They not only became like a real family for me to turn to, but they also strengthen me with love, care and knowledge,” she said. “The family is like a gift that makes college life much more rewarding and comforting than if I had to take on college alone.”

For more information about becoming a host family go to www.wartburg.edu/intlprog/hostfamily.aspx, call the International Programs Office at 352-8220, or email Jenna Rinehart at jenna.rinehart@wartburg.edu.