PORT ANGELES — More than 40 international students from such countries as Germany, Cameroon, New Zealand, Kenya and Canada are enrolled at Peninsula College this fall. School personnel wants to see more of them on campus — the biggest problem it faces is not enough places for them to live.
Peninsula College has no on-campus housing and there are no plans to build any, Allyn Williams, the college’s international programs manager, told Port Angeles Noon Rotary on Wednesday.
Collegiate Housing International, a privately operated residence hall located two blocks from campus, has limited capacity. And, as anyone who has tried to find a rental in Port Angeles knows, there is almost no inventory and what is available is prohibitively expensive — particularly for student budgets.
“Housing in Port Angles is a problem,” Williams said. “It is an ongoing issue that we haven’t solved.”
The pandemic gut-punch that interrupted international travel also had a negative impact on the program.
“We’d like to build back to pre-COVID numbers, but we’re limited by space,” Williams said.
The college’s Homestay program that matches an international student with a local host is one way it is attempting to alleviate the lack of affordable housing.
It is win-win-win solution, Williams said. Students benefit from learning about America and polish their English language skills. Hosts benefit from learning about the student’s country and culture. The college benefits from the diversity of perspectives and experiences the students bring to the campus and classroom.
Students pay their Homestay host $750 a month for a private room with a bed, desk and lamp; laundry facilities; access to the internet and three meals a day.
Almost anyone can be a Homestay host, Williams told the Noon Rotary audience.
The most important qualification is the ability to provide a supportive environment and include the student in household activities.
Applicants undergo a background check, an interview and a home visit from one of the international program staff. The college will match a student with a Homestay host, with whom they are encouraged to stay for at least one quarter, although most end up staying longer.
Most international students are at least 18 years old, but the college has seen an increase in 16-year-olds who want to finish high school at Peninsula College.
Coaches are particularly interested in finding housing for athletes who are recruited to play at Peninsula College.
“We are always looking for people who are willing to host these students,” Williams said.
Peninsula College also has a monetary interest in enrolling in international students, who pay the full cost of tuition, about $20,000 a year.
“That’s a great benefit financially,” Williams said. “But it’s expensive for the students.”
To apply to be a Peninsula College Homestay host, go to tinyurl.com/nfrcm7wy.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, President Terry Gallagher introduced the audience to Ilvy Gattermayer from Austria and Arou Lee from Korea. They are Rotary Youth exchange students who will be living with local host families and attending Port Angeles High School this year.
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Paula Hunt can be reached at 360-425-2345, ext. 50583, or by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
