Supper Club Host FAQ
What if I do not live in Blacksburg?
Please understand that if your home is not near a Blacksburg BT bus route and you cannot provide a ride, it may be difficult for international guests to come to your home. We will try to find guests with cars for your home, but your flexibility and understanding will be helpful. Also, if you are significantly outside of Blacksburg, the travel time and effort may be prevent successful supper clubs at your home.
Are the internationals Christian? Will they know that we are Christians?
Most of the students and scholars we interact with are not yet followers of Jesus. They come from all faith backgrounds (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, etc.). This is an opportunity to let them feel and see the love of Christ in your life.
We are transparent with internationals about who we are as Christ-followers. It is also listed on our website (where the students sign up) that our volunteers come from local partnering churches. Also, ISIvt.com website clearly show we are a Christian organization. However, we do not directly that the Supper Club hosts are Christians.
Do I have to have some sort of program or activity planned?
In general, no. You being you is what is most important. The students are interested in your home environment, your daily life and your family. In fact, most students/scholars are here without any family, so you help fill in this role in their lives. However, for our summer semester 2021, we are encouraging outdoor activities as well as outdoor meals, and these activities may involve more of a program and planning.
If you are searching for things to do other than just the meal, here are a few suggestions: Questions in a Box App, board & card games, singing and playing music together (if this is something you do regularly), prepare some of the food together, doing holiday activities (pumpkin carving, decorating Christmas trees, Easter egg hunts), or invite them to teach you something about their culture (food, holidays, games, art). Summer 2021 outdoor activities may even help them know the area. Here are some local ideas: getting ice cream together, walking around downtown, visiting the farmer's market, walking on the Huckleberry Trail, hiking to Cascades, watching 4th of July fireworks together, visiting Claytor Lake, biking/hiking on the New River Trail (bike rentals are available), walking around Hahn Garden.
I’m new at loving internationals, will I receive any training?
Yes! You are required to attend a training before you become a Supper Club host. We won’t have time to cover everything, so below are some useful resources we can recommend. You can email us with questions during the semester.
Will the internationals in my home know each other?
Perhaps, but just as likely they will not. This is an opportunity for them to meet other internationals, so we pair guests randomly but prayerfully and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Should we pray before the meal?
Internationals usually enjoy observing how American families go about their daily routines. Don’t interrupt your regular practice of praying before meals, if that is the routine at your house. Simply explain what you are doing and invite your friends to observe.
Do I have to be married or have a house to be a host?
No! You and your roommate/friend can host. Apartments are fine too. We do ask that you limit the number of roommates/friends you invite to host with you. We value the intimate setting of a few of you around the table so that you can adequately engage with student guest. We do advise that at least two adults host together.
Our Supper Club host households can include marrieds with and without children (or teens), older marrieds, single adults, and apartment/housemates.
Please understand that if your home is not near a Blacksburg BT bus route and you cannot provide a ride, it may be difficult for international guests to come to your home. We will try to find guests with cars for your home, but your flexibility and understanding will be helpful. Also, if you are significantly outside of Blacksburg, the travel time and effort may be prevent successful supper clubs at your home.
Are the internationals Christian? Will they know that we are Christians?
Most of the students and scholars we interact with are not yet followers of Jesus. They come from all faith backgrounds (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, etc.). This is an opportunity to let them feel and see the love of Christ in your life.
We are transparent with internationals about who we are as Christ-followers. It is also listed on our website (where the students sign up) that our volunteers come from local partnering churches. Also, ISIvt.com website clearly show we are a Christian organization. However, we do not directly that the Supper Club hosts are Christians.
Do I have to have some sort of program or activity planned?
In general, no. You being you is what is most important. The students are interested in your home environment, your daily life and your family. In fact, most students/scholars are here without any family, so you help fill in this role in their lives. However, for our summer semester 2021, we are encouraging outdoor activities as well as outdoor meals, and these activities may involve more of a program and planning.
If you are searching for things to do other than just the meal, here are a few suggestions: Questions in a Box App, board & card games, singing and playing music together (if this is something you do regularly), prepare some of the food together, doing holiday activities (pumpkin carving, decorating Christmas trees, Easter egg hunts), or invite them to teach you something about their culture (food, holidays, games, art). Summer 2021 outdoor activities may even help them know the area. Here are some local ideas: getting ice cream together, walking around downtown, visiting the farmer's market, walking on the Huckleberry Trail, hiking to Cascades, watching 4th of July fireworks together, visiting Claytor Lake, biking/hiking on the New River Trail (bike rentals are available), walking around Hahn Garden.
I’m new at loving internationals, will I receive any training?
Yes! You are required to attend a training before you become a Supper Club host. We won’t have time to cover everything, so below are some useful resources we can recommend. You can email us with questions during the semester.
- Tips for cross-cultural hospitality: theserviette.com
- For information about a particular country/religion this site is helpful: prayercast.com.
- For some helpful articles and videos on sharing Christ’s love with internationals see these sites: reachinginternationals.com, everyinternational.com
Will the internationals in my home know each other?
Perhaps, but just as likely they will not. This is an opportunity for them to meet other internationals, so we pair guests randomly but prayerfully and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Should we pray before the meal?
Internationals usually enjoy observing how American families go about their daily routines. Don’t interrupt your regular practice of praying before meals, if that is the routine at your house. Simply explain what you are doing and invite your friends to observe.
Do I have to be married or have a house to be a host?
No! You and your roommate/friend can host. Apartments are fine too. We do ask that you limit the number of roommates/friends you invite to host with you. We value the intimate setting of a few of you around the table so that you can adequately engage with student guest. We do advise that at least two adults host together.
Our Supper Club host households can include marrieds with and without children (or teens), older marrieds, single adults, and apartment/housemates.