Administrators at Notre Dame Preparatory School have partnered with gphomestay, an organization that facilitates American home stays for international students, in an effort to make these arrangements more convenient and enjoyable for students and families.
Currently there are several international students attending Notre Dame and the school is planning to expand the program during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Kala Parker, Notre Dame’s dean of diversity and associate dean of admissions, says the school is searching for caring families to open their home to an international student.
“These students enjoy getting involved and learning more about American culture,” she said. “This is also a great opportunity for a family to learn more about a different culture and way of life.”
Host families receive a monthly stipend of $800 to cover any costs that arise with having an extra person in their home. According to gphomestay, host families also have access to ongoing support from one of their local residential coordinators.
Interested families are welcome to host a student for one or two semesters, but there is also the opportunity of choosing to host again the following year. These students typically study in the United States with the intention of graduating from an American high school.
There also is a referral bonus program available from gphomestay.
If you are interested in becoming a host or just looking for more information, you can contact Kala Parker at 248-373-1061, or kparker@ndpma.org. Or visit gphomestay’s website (www.gphomestay.com) directly and fill out a Host Inquiry Form.
You can also contact gphomestay directly at 781-996-0429, or info@gphomestay.com.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.