/ Paul G. Fried Center for Global Engagement

International Family Welcome Week

Hope College is pleased to welcome the families of new international students and U.S. citizens living outside the United States.

It’s a privilege to host you and introduce you to the people who will support and mentor your student in the important years ahead. By the end of the International Family Orientation, you’ll have a new group of friends — at the college and around the world.

  • International families on a Chicago boat cruise
  • Navy Pier in Chicago
  • An international visitor in front of the horse sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens
  • International families at Captain Sundae in Holland, Michigan
  • International families on a sunset boat cruise
  • International students at the Lake Michigan beach
  • International families at the Lake Michigan beach
  • International families at a Grand Rapids Whitecaps baseball game
  • International families chatting on a boat

These special events and activities are planned with your family in mind. Some take place during students’ orientation activities and others involve your whole family. Since your son/daughter will participate in the required International & TCK Pre-Orientation and spend the weekend of August 19–21 traveling in Northern Michigan on the “Explore Michigan” program, led by the Fried Center for Global Engagement, families are entertained in West Michigan and Chicago as described below.

Parents, as you plan your visit to Holland, please remember:

  • All activities are free of charge.
  • Travel to Hope is at your expense.
  • Hotel accomodation options are listed in your email invitation as well as the arrival form.

International Family Welcome Week  Schedule: August 17–26, 2018

Wednesday, August 15
ARRIVAL DAY

Registration between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 16
ARRIVAL DAY

Registration between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 17
OPENING DAY
  • Opening and Introductions (with students)
  • Orientation Overview - Family Session I
  • Campus Tour
  • Lunch (with students)
  • Hope's Global Commuity - Family Session II
  • Banking, Telephone and Technology Time
  • Welcome Dinner (with students)
  • Shopping Time - Optional (with students)
Saturday, August 18
HOLLAND
  • Holland Farmer's Market
  • Lunch in Downtown Holland
  • Holland State Park and Big Red Lighthouse
  • Ice Cream Tour
  • Windmill Island

International and Third Culture Kids (TCK) Students leave at 8:30 a.m. for a three day trip to Northern Michigan, where they will have an opportunity to get to know other students. They will experience all the beauty that our state has to offer. They'll hike Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan and tour Mackinac Island, where they will use bikes to get around. Fun activities include s'more roasting, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming and more. This trip is required for all new international students and any TCK students.

Sunday, August 19
SAUGATUCK AREA
  • Lunch in Saugatuck
  • Blueberry or Peach Picking
  • Crane's Pie Pantry
  • Shopping and Exploring Downtown Saugatuck
  • Suset Cruise on Lake Michigan
Monday, August 20
CHICAGO
  • Navy Pier
  • Millennium Park
  • Lunch in Downtown Chicago
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Magnificent Mile - Shopping or Sightseeing
  • Deep Dish Chicago Pizza Dinner
Tuesday, August 21
CAMPUS DAY
  • Banking, Telephone and Technology Time (with students)
  • The Global Experience - Family Orientation III
  • Family Photos (with students)
  • Family Lunch in the Martha Miller Center for Global Communication (with students)
  • Academic Success, Boerigter Center for Calling and Career, Business Services, Counseling and Safety - Family Orientation Session IV
  • Family Memory Maker Activity
  • Faculty Panel Discussion
  • Meet and Greet Faculty Reception
  • Shopping Time - Optional (with students)
Wednesday, August 22
GRAND RAPIDS
  • Lunch in Grand Rapids
  • Frederick Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park
  • American Baseball Game - West Michigan Whitecaps (with students)
  • Fireworks Show (with students)
Thursday, August 23
SAUGATUCK AND ORIENTATION FINALE
  • Dune Rides
  • Lunch in Saugatuck
  • International Orientation Wrap-up Session and Finale (with students)
  • Family Picnic at Kollen Park (with students)
Friday, August 24 Join the entire campus for orientation and activities.
Saturday, August 25 Join the entire campus for orientation and activities.
Sunday, August 26
LAST DAY
  • International Families Closing Brunch (with students)
  • Opening Convocation

First time in Holland?

Find lodging, restaurant recommendations, maps and other information.

Learn more


Questions?

Need assistance with Internatinoal Family Welcome Week? Contact Patricia Cranmer at cranmer@hope.edu or 616.395.7143.

Hope CollegePaul G. Fried Center for Global Engagement

Martha Miller Center257 Columbia AvenueRoom 107Holland, MI 49423

workP. 616-395-7605