Wartburg College is seeking friendship families for nearly 60 international students who will be arriving in August for the 2014-15 academic year.

Helen Leong, director of international student services, said Wartburg expects to enroll a record 185 international students when the Fall Term begins in September. That would top the previous mark of 165 students from 59 countries set last year.

Leong said more 110 Waverly area families already participate in the International Friendship Family Program.

“The students value their experience with local families to learn more about what makes living in the Cedar Valley so unique and special,” Leong said.

Friendship families do not house or act as advisers or financial sponsors to the international students. They simply 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 friendship families during the Fall, Winter and May terms.  

“Having a friendship family helped me to learn how to live in the USA and get acquainted with the local culture,” said Melaku Garsamo, a recent graduate from Ethiopia. “The first year is especially important to acclimate into traditions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

For more information go to www.wartburg.edu/intlprog/hostfamily.aspx, call the International Programs Office at 352-8220, or email Wendy Mohlis, Friendship Family coordinator, at wendy.mohlis@wartburg.edu.