A home away from home starts with connection.
K-CEP connects international students with Kalamazoo College faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members through friendship, shared experiences, and cross-cultural exchange.
What is K-CEP?
The K Community and Cultural Exchange Program is a non-residential host program that matches incoming international students with members of the Kalamazoo community. Hosts help students experience life outside of the “K bubble” while building meaningful relationships across cultures.
The time commitment does not have to be great. The strongest relationships grow through regular communication and simple moments spent together.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW
This is not a homestay.
Students live on campus. Hosts are not expected to provide housing. Instead, they offer friendship, cultural connection, and a welcoming “home away from home.”
Why Participate in K-CEP?
K-CEP gives hosts and students an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share their cultures, and experience Kalamazoo together.
For Hosts
Share Your Culture
Introduce a student to everyday life in Kalamazoo while learning about their traditions, experiences and perspectives.
Build a Real Relationship
Create a friendship through regular communication, shared meals, local outings and campus or community events.
Help Kalamazoo Feel Like Home
A familiar face and a thoughtful invitation can help a student feel supported, welcomed and connected.
For Students
Share Your Culture
Introduce your host to your traditions, experiences and perspectives while learning more about life in Kalamazoo.
Build a Local Connection
Build a friendship with someone from the community through conversation, shared meals and local events.
Feel at Home in Kalamazoo
A local connection can help you feel welcomed, supported and more connected to the community beyond campus.
Simple ways to connect
- Shop for groceries
- Share dinner at home or dine out
- Take a walk or play a sport
- Attend a campus or community event
- Listen to live music
- Have a picnic at a local park
- Go to a sporting event
- Visit the farmers market
- Have a movie night
- Explore downtown Kalamazoo
- See a comedy show
- Most importantly, enjoy each other’s company
The best relationships are often built through ordinary moments: a meal, a conversation, an invitation, or simply checking in.
Support has boundaries
Hosts provide connection and encouragement, but they are not expected to solve every problem. Students should be referred to the Center for International Programs for:
- Culture shock or homesickness
- Employment restrictions
- Immigration and visa regulations
- Academic concerns
- Financial concerns
- Roommate issues
Contact the CIP
When in doubt, contact the CIP so the student can be connected with the appropriate campus resource.
WINTER BREAK
Invite a student into the season.
Travel can be expensive for international students, especially during the holidays. Hosts are encouraged to include students in a meal, religious service, family gathering, or another holiday activity when appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What countries do the students represent?
Incoming Kalamazoo College international students may come from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Kenya, Mexico, Poland, Senegal, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other countries represented in the incoming class.
How are hosts and students matched?
We try to match students and hosts as closely as possible based on the interests and preferences submitted in their applications. Specific requests involving a country or language depend on the incoming student group and cannot always be met.
Can I host if I do not have children or a partner?
Yes. Families and support systems look different. Hosts do not need to be married or have children. We only ask that you be willing to spend time with and build a relationship with the student.
What is the expected time commitment?
The time commitment depends on the availability of both the host and the student. Frequent communication is more important than elaborate plans. Hosts and students will have an opportunity to discuss schedules and expectations at the Kick-Off Event.
Is there an application or screening process?
Yes. To support student safety, prospective hosts complete an application that includes a background check. The CIP will notify applicants once they are approved to participate.
When are applications due?
Applications are due during the third week of August.
Steps to become a host
1
Choose Connection
Bring a desire to learn about another culture and share your own.
2
Apply
Complete the K-CEP host application and background check.
3
Receive Approval
The CIP will contact you after the screening process is complete.
4
Get Matched
Hosts and students are matched based on shared interests and values.
5
Meet at Kick-Off
Attend the Week 1 Fall Quarter Kick-Off Event and begin building the relationship.
Ready to Get Connected?
Choose the option below that best fits your role in K-CEP.
For Hosts
Open your home, share your community, and help create a meaningful experience for an international student.
For Students
Share your interests and preferences so the CIP can help connect you with a community host.