Home Away From Home

International Student Care & Belonging

Home Away
From Home

Far from home. Never far from community.

A welcoming support initiative helping international students navigate life in the United States, build lasting relationships, and find a sense of belonging at Criswell College.

Host Family Application for International Student
The Home Away From Home Journey

Four steps toward belonging

From the first days on campus to meaningful connections beyond the classroom, support grows with every step.

  1. 01 / ARRIVE

    Navigate a new culture

    Practical orientation to life in the U.S., local resources, campus services, and student responsibilities.

  2. 02 / CONNECT

    Build relationships

    Semester gatherings with international student staff for community, questions, updates, and encouragement.

  3. 03 / BELONG

    Find church community

    Connections with local churches where students can worship, serve, and develop lasting friendships.

  4. 04 / THRIVE

    Experience family care

    Opportunities to connect with an approved local Christian family for friendship, prayer, and encouragement.

A community ready to welcome you

Home Away From Home brings together Criswell staff, local churches, and families to help students feel supported throughout their college experience.

Practical guidance

Start with confidence

Get oriented to banking, transportation, shopping, health and safety, immigration responsibilities, and campus resources.

Ongoing connection

Stay connected

Meet with the international student team during semester luncheons to ask questions, share experiences, and receive timely guidance.

Church partnerships

Find your community

Explore opportunities to connect with local churches and ministries that welcome international students.

Family connections

Feel at home

Approved volunteer families may offer prayer, holiday invitations, check-ins, and encouragement during the semester.

About family connections: These relationships offer friendship and support. They do not provide housing, replace a student's family, or create financial obligations.

You belong here.

Whether you're preparing to arrive or already studying at Criswell, Home Away From Home is designed to help you find connection and community.

For information about participation, contact Criswell College Student Affairs.

Contact

HELPFUL LINKS

SOCIAL

HELPFUL LINKS

 
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Criswell College admits students who are Christians of good character, without regard or reference to race, national or ethnic origin, color, age, disability, or sex (except where regard to sex is required by the College’s religious tenets regarding gender and sexuality) to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of these classifications in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.