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Become an IVEP host

Two older people and two young adults stand together in front of a colorful building.

Interested in learning more?

As MCC considers potential hosts, we look for people who can warmly welcome IVEP participants, help them navigate a new cultural context and are interested in expanding their personal worldview.

We need people who are open to learning about a new culture and worldview from the IVEP participant they host. Hosts often understand their own culture in a new way when they see it through the eyes of someone who’s experiencing it for the first time.

If you want to explore next steps for hosting an IVEP participant, email ivep@mcc.org and we’ll be in touch to discuss the possibilities.

To learn more about hosting, download the IVEP host and partner agency manual (PDF).
 

Hosting an IVEPer

More stories

In their own words

Hear from others about their experience hosting IVEP participants. Find out why they host, what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown. 

Frequently asked questions

All hosts must be:
 

  • Active in their church community
  • Open to learning from others
  • Willing to share their lives with the IVEP participant
  • Intentional about checking in with the IVEP participant, just like you would with your own family members.
  • Able to provide IVEP participants with their own bedroom.

There is no “ideal” host – some are young families, some are middle aged and some are retired. Hosts develop their own unique relationships with IVEP participants.
 

We hope that the IVEP participant will become part of the family, not just a tenant or boarder. We ask that you include the IVEP participant in your life just like a family member. We encourage you to go together to local attractions, sports or community events, cultural activities or fairs.

The IVEP year begins in mid-August and runs until mid-July the following year

IVEP participants and their hosts are supported by both regional and national coordinators throughout the year. They are in regular contact to celebrate joys, help with challenges and give suggestions as needed.

During the year IVEP participants attend three, weeklong meetings with MCC: orientation, mid-year conference and year-end conference in addition to several weekend regional retreats.

Each host receives a monthly stipend to be used to cover some of the costs for the room and board of the IVEP participant.  More detailed information can be found in the manual. Contact ivep@mcc.org if you have specific questions.

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