The Borderless Host program needs volunteers. The initiative was started in the spring of 2008 by Hawken Brackett as his capstone project for the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program.
“The program’s goal is simple: to foster cross-cultural understanding and to provide international MSU students with assistance in their transition to life as a college student in the United States,” Brackett said.
Borderless Host program provides the opportunity for connections between international students and host families. A student is paired up with a faculty member and his or her family in hopes to make the transition to Mississippi State a smooth one.
“It’s amazing the impact that these interactions can and have had on participating international students,” Brackett said. “The greatest part is that both the families and students benefit from the dual-learning process that takes place.”
International students are encouraged to get involved in the program. Brackett said there are many things to learn from the experience and great benefits.
“The program provides the opportunity for connections to form on the personal, local and global level, all of which lead to the realization that we are all not as different as we may first appear,” Brackett said.
Laura Vaughn, senior international business major who has helped coordinate the program for the last three semesters, said the program promotes greater learning.
“The program will help students gain fluency in English and will teach them about American culture,” Vaughn said.
Kabindra Bhattarai, sophomore mechanical engineering major from Nepal, participated in the program last year. Bhattarai said she was coupled with the Mylroie family, and the program proved beneficial to her adaption at MSU.
“I must say, I ended up getting much more than I had expected,” Bhattarai said. “The Mylroie’s are really warm and welcoming.”
Bhattarai said she spent holidays and many other occasions with her host family, which helped her adjust to her new environment.
“The program not only gives one an opportunity to have a family experience, but also proves to be extremely helpful to adapt to new culture,” Bhattarai said.
While the program is aimed at helping international students adapt and feel more comfortable, the program is also very beneficial to faculty members that become involved.
Vaughn said the program is a great way for faculty to learn about international students they may teach in class.
“The faculty who participates will gain a deeper understanding of the students,” Vaughn said.
Joan and John Mylroie, professors in the Department of Geosciences, hosted Bhattarai and said it was a very valuable experience.
“The program is a wonderful way to learn about other cultures,” Joan Mylroie said. “It is an extremely enriching experience.”
Mylroie said the program is a great way to meet young international students and learn about their countries. She also said it was a fantastic way to show what a real American family is like.
“We hope our hosting allows the foreign students to learn about American culture and realize that our families have the same wants and desires for our children that their parents hold dear,” Mylroie said.
As the program hopes to create bonds between international students and faculty, many realize how the Borderless Host program can benefit people on a larger scale.
Mylroie said this is an excellent opportunity for understanding and exchange.
“The current globalization is so amazing and progressing so quickly that we need to learn about the people of the world,” Mylroie said. “It’s an excellent way to end prejudice and misconceptions and a great start to global peace.”
Brackett said whether you are a student or a faculty member thinking of getting involved with the program, there are many advantages.
“Some of the common benefits that occur are a greater understanding of others and the world around them, a deeper appreciation for humanity and hopefully a new friendship,” Brackett said.
The Borderless Host program will be accepting applications until Monday morning. Applications can be found at glp.msstate.edu. For more information, contact Hawken Brackett at [email protected].