Home Host Opportunities for Distinguished International Guests!

International House is delighted to be hosting a group of 5 Mayors and City Council Leaders from Ukraine with a facilitator, through the Open World Program. These distinguished guests will be in Charlotte to learn more about federalism and representative government, as well as other topics such as rule of law, health, environment, economic development, education reform, and social services. We are looking for home hosts between June 1 and June 9 to welcome these distinguished guests into your homes!

The Open World Program (OW) enables Russian and Eurasian elected officials and emerging civic leaders to observe the American democratic system firsthand. The Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) believes that principles of accountability, governance, and the role of citizenry in government are most effectively illustrated through direct interaction between participants and their U.S. professional counterparts and through hosted community and cultural activities.

Additionally, 20 high school youth ambassadors from Mexico will be visiting Charlotte through the Jovenes en Accion Program for three weeks between July – August. Their program will focus “youth empowerment, anti-gang violence, and self-expression”. We encourage families with teenagers to home host during this time. Hosting teens are welcome to participate in all meetings and workshops.

We are looking for individuals and families to welcome these guests into your homes, serve as cultural ambassadors, assist with transportation on the weekdays with drop-offs around 9:00 am and pick-ups around 5:00pm (carpools can be arranged) as well as provide breakfast and dinner. A Home Host Orientation will be arranged prior to your guest’s arrival.

 

For further questions, please contact Johnelle Causwell at jcauswell@ihclt.org or at 704-333-8099, ext. 121.

We appreciate your consideration in participating with this unique and rewarding opportunity!
 

 

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A Snapshot of Host Responsibilities:

  • Host Family Orientation
    Johnelle Causwell will meet with host families prior to the guests arrival for an orientation of the program.
  • Pick-up, Drop off: We ask that host families drop off their guests at International House (1817 Central Avenue) in the morning around 9am and pick-up them up around 5:30pm. The international visitors will be at internships or meetings during the week, close to the uptown area or at International House. It is also possible to work out carpool arrangements with other host families. We will also put together a pick-up/drop-off sheet and schedule.
  •  Meals: Host families provide breakfast and dinner each day. The guest will receive a per diem stipend which he or she can use for lunch and incidentals.
  • Cultural: Host families will be with their guests mainly in the evenings and weekends. Some group optional evening and weekend cultural activities will take place.
  • Home Sweet Home: Most importantly, we want your guest to feel part of your family, to feel at home, and for you to have a wonderful experience with your new life-long friend from across the world.
  • Dinner Hosts: If you are not able to offer overnight accommodation, please consider serving as a dinner host. International House also arranges programming for delegations of international visitors who stay at area hotels rather than the homes of local families. These guests are particularly eager to have an opportunity to dine with a U.S. host. Dinner hosts provide a home meal for an entire international delegation or just a few individual guests.

For more info on any of the above opportunities, contact Johnelle Causwell at jcauswell@ihclt.org or at 704-333-8099, ext. 121.