Meals Together- International Guest information
Meals Together
Meals Together is an opportunity to spend time in a United States home, eat home cooked food, and meet people outside of the university. Hosts are volunteers from local churches. They are excited to invite international guests to their home for a meal during the semester. You and 1-3 other international guests will be matched with a host home.
Meals Together is an opportunity to spend time in a United States home, eat home cooked food, and meet people outside of the university. Hosts are volunteers from local churches. They are excited to invite international guests to their home for a meal during the semester. You and 1-3 other international guests will be matched with a host home.
Meals Together Expectations
- Meals with hosts are a priority. Put the agreed upon dates on your calendar.
- Communication about time and transportation between host and guests is required before the meal. Please respond promptly to your host.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at an in-home meal or activity? You will not only learn about other cultures, but you will get to share from your own experience. Each host home may look a little different but, generally, you will share a meal together while talking and getting to know one another. You and your host are free to plan more meetings as desired.
What time of day are the in-home meals? Typically the meal is supper (about 6:30 PM), but it could be breakfast, lunch, or supper. Your host will give you the exact time when you communicate with them. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours at your host's home.
Who are the hosts? They could be a married couple, they could be a family with children, they could be roommates, or they could two or three friends. These people are local volunteers in the Blacksburg (and surrounding) area who love serving and hosting internationals in their home. All hosts consider themselves followers of Jesus and attend local churches.
What if I have an emergency? If you cannot attend the meal with your host, please contact your host immediately. Your hosts will make Meals Together a priority and you should also. Please plan this into your schedule. The host is cooking and planning to welcome you as a guest, and it would be considered rude to not show up. If they and the other students in your home are flexible, the date of the meal may be able to be changed.
How much does this cost?
This is free!
How will I get to my host home?
Your hosts are generously offering a meal and time in their home to you. We ask that if possible you find a way to get to your host's home if they are in the Blacksburg area. You could ride with other guests who have a car or use the BT. Your host may offer to take you back to your home after the meal. If your host is outside Blacksburg they will be providing you a ride unless you indicate that you have transportation. You and your host should discuss transportation in your communication.