Duke Kunshan University kicked off its 2025 Host Family Program, bringing together local families from Kunshan and Suzhou and international students for their first in-person meeting.
Before the pandemic, the program matched 80 pairs of students and families. After a four-year pause, it resumed in 2024 with 26 pairs. Interest continued to grow this year, with 66 families and 62 international students applying. 29 matches were formed, representing students from 11 countries.
Nathan Franco (U.S.) × Zou family
Mengjie Zou, University Librarian at DKU, shared her family’s experience hosting Nathan Franco, a DKU Class of 2028 undergraduate from the United States.
“Courage, care and interaction — those three words sum up our journey,” she said.
Though language and cultural differences existed, simple acts made a difference — a brief WeChat message to check in, or inviting Nathan to join family gatherings, from meeting grandparents to taking part in Chinese New Year games.
From right: Nathan Franco and Mengjie Zou
Nathan, who missed the ceremony due to a community service activity, expressed his gratitude in a letter.
“I’m especially grateful to Mengjie and her family for helping me understand Chinese culture, accommodating my vegetarian habits, and embracing our cultural differences,” he wrote. “These differences helped us understand each other’s traditions more deeply.”
He added that the program gave him a second family in China.
Lina Laurencich Prado ’29 (Costa Rica/Italy) × Li family
“Hosting is not a task — it’s an extension of home,” said Kunshan resident Songwei Li.
He noted that opening one’s home is also opening a window for young international scholars to experience the warmth of Chinese families and the spirit of Kunshan.
From left: Lina (second from left) and Li
For Lina, the experience has already been meaningful.
“At school, I stay within familiar circles. I wanted to step out and see the real China,” she said. “Human connections are the most precious thing. Now I have a home here — that feels amazing.”
Rakhat Omirbek (Kazakhstan) × Zhou family
“I wanted to experience Chinese culture in an immersive way,” said Rakhat Omirbek from Class of 2029, who hopes to deepen his understanding of Chinese families while improving his language skills.
After meeting Pengpeng Zhou’s family, he felt immediately welcomed.
“They are so warm and kind — I’m already looking forward to our next gathering,” he said.
Zhou (second from right) and Rakhat (third from right)
Zhou, who previously studied overseas, said he understands the challenges of living far from home.
“When you’re abroad, all you want is a chance to join a local family, share their traditions and understand their daily life,” he said. “This program gives international students exactly that — another home.”
Christopher Van Velzer, dean of student experience, said host family programs consistently become the most memorable part of international education.
“They’re the one element that stays with students for years,” Van Velzer said. “You’re not just showing them what it’s like to study in China — you’re showing them what it means to belong in China.”
“Your kindness means the world to our students,” said Scott MacEachern, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Sitting together, talking and eating brings people closer than any formal event could.”
At the ceremony, families and students exchanged introduction cards and thank-you notes, followed by photos and DKU commemorative bears.
Launched in 2018, the program has become one of DKU’s most valued cultural exchange initiatives. It helps international students adjust to life in China while giving local families a chance to welcome global cultures into their homes and form lasting connections.
