Christmas International House
For over 50 years, Christmas International House (CIH) has been a special program for U.S. international students and scholars to experience friendship and hospitality with an American host community during winter break. Through CIH, international students are able to travel and explore a new city, experience what it is like to live in an American home, and develop life-changing friendships.
This past December 2023, Christmas International House took place in St. Augustine, Florida for two weeks, hosted by Memorial Presbyterian Church, who began hosting in 2002.
This is a wonderful opportunity for international students to spend time in St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, riddled with historic markers, preserved forts, and beautiful beaches! Take a look at the video below to see the different experiences these students had!
Whether celebrating Christmas is a normal part of your cultural practices or is a tradition completely foreign to you, this opportunity is open to all U.S. international students looking to experience American traditions and customs during winter break.
Program Info
Check back this summer for the
2024 CIH Application!
Do you have any questions in the meantime? Email us at office@amisatlanta.org
Watch the video below to hear from students who attended the 2023-2024 CIH Program
What CIH Students Say:
“I loved spending time at Christmas and New Year’s with the host families, this was my first Christmas in Florida and in an American home - so very special. Everyone in St Augustine made me feel just like a part of their own family.”
- Shamali
"For me, getting a chance to attend Christmas the way it is done traditionally was a unique experience. Apart from that, I loved visiting places like the alligator farm and the pristine beaches."
- Bhushan
"Watching the fireworks on the beach New years Eve and the first sunrise of the New Year as well, the St Augustine lighthouse, the Alligator farm were some highlights of the program for me. Every moment was special."