From Around the World to the Middle of Everywhere

As students transition from high school to college, they face countless life changes that inspire both excitement and anxiety. Students leave their hometowns, say goodbye to their families and pets, adjust to living in dorms, and begin forging friendships with new peers. For some, arriving at Grinnell marks their first time living in a small town, or living in the Midwest. For many international students, the transition to Grinnell is also a transition to living in a new country. 

To ensure that international students feel welcome in Grinnell and find opportunities to connect with the local community, the Grinnell Office of International Student Affairs offers the Friends of International Students program (FIS). Approximately 100 new international students join Grinnell each fall, contributing to a community of international students hailing from 56 different countries. Through FIS, members of the Grinnell community volunteer to serve as a host for one of these students. Throughout the academic year, hosts introduce students to the local area, and students invite their hosts to participate in campus life.  

For Steph and Thomas Lair, the FIS program provided a unique opportunity to expose their children to different cultures. "This is our family’s first year participating in the FIS program. We heard about it through other Grinnell participants and thought our kids were at a great age (6, 5, 2) to join, Steph explains. "We understand the importance of making international students feel welcome in our community and also the importance of exposing our kids to people from different cultures." 

With Thomas being a French citizen and Steph a native Grinnellian, they were both wanting to raise their children as global citizens. "While we tend to focus on exposing our children to the French language and customs, we know that it is important to raise our children as global citizens so they grow up having an understanding of different cultures, customs, and people." 

Their experience with their host student, Emily Milenova ’27 from Sofia, Bulgaria, has been enriching. "Our favorite part of FIS has been watching our kids soak in cultural knowledge that Emily shares with us. She has taught the kids about Bulgarian wrestlers, the differences in our holidays, and even brought them some Bulgarian snacks after her trip home at Christmas." 

Pam Thielmann an avid supporter of the FIS program, reflects on her experience as a host: "My husband Greg Thielmann ‘72 and I moved to the Mayflower in June 2023. Numerous people introduced us to the FIS program, which resonated deeply with us due to our extensive travels and Greg's career in the foreign service. Welcoming international students into our home has enriched our lives. Our host daughter, Delaney Nguyen ‘27, came from Hanoi, has become an integral part of our family, teaching us about her culture and broadening our perspectives. One highlight was the cultural evening in April, filled with performances and fellowship."

Nguyen shared, "When I was preparing for my college life in the US, I knew the transition would be extremely challenging. One of my biggest worries was feeling kind of lonely and homesick, which has inspired me to apply for the FIS program. I wanted to find a 'home away from home' - a supportive surrogate family to help ease the adjustment. My host family was invaluable during those first few difficult months. They were more than helpful in my transition to college life. I always feel welcomed and comfortable. Any time I felt homesick, overwhelmed or struggled, they were there with open arms and willing to listen. Having their warmth, kindness and care made me feel like I could have a Grinnell family here." 

Steph Lair also shared a memorable experience, "The kids loved the pumpkin carving event! It was fun to get creative and messy together, plus the cookies and lemonade were great! We’ve also enjoyed taking Emily with us to a few events in Des Moines and Iowa City." 

Reflecting on their participation, Steph hopes that Emily's family feels reassured knowing she has a local family that cares about her. "Even with the international distance, we really hope her family finds comfort in knowing she is part of this great program," she says. 

“Emily is VERY smart!” – Marcel Lair, age 6 

“Emily is VERY kind!” – Felix Lair, age 5 

Applications are now Open 

To learn more about the program, and to sign up as a host, please visit www.grinnell.edu/FIS. Follow this link for an application to participate as a host for the 2024-2025 academic year -  open until July 7. All individuals and families living in the Grinnell area are invited to apply. This is a one-year commitment and does not include a home-stay.