• It is often helpful to invite other local guests as co-hosts. They can help with transportation or with carrying on the conversation while the host is preparing the dinner, especially if the hosting is done by an individual.

• Hosting may be done in many styles. It is not necessary to use the "best china," and often summer hosting is done outside.

• It is important that hosts are sensitive to customs, food preferences and restrictions. MIC will give recommendations about this if needed. Hosts are given website locations to review information about the countries and cultures of their guests.

Hosting Students

Arrangements:

• We encourage you to contact your guests as soon as possible to extend a personal invitation and to set up the specific time and transportation arrangements for the dinner at your home.

• It is helpful if you let your guests know how many will be present at dinner, how formally to dress, and whether to bring warm clothes for any outdoor activity.

• If your guest is driving, be sure that directions to your home are clear, and include your phone number. It is advisable to email or send the directions in writing, rather than giving them over the phone.

The dinner and conversation:

• For holiday hosting, take a few minutes to explain foods that you are serving and how special foods fit into your dinner.

• Remember that alcohol cannot be served, even in a home setting, to someone not of legal age. Guests who drive will be discouraged from drinking alcoholic beverages. Other guests may wish to decline for personal or cultural reasons.

• Ask your guests to describe a holiday or custom observed in their culture. Some may bring along family and holiday pictures.

• MIC encourages open discussion about religious, political and social topics, without imposing viewpoints. If you plan to attend a religious event, please let your guest know in advance, allowing the guest to accept or decline.