Opening Homes, Opening Hearts: The OIE'S IFFP

For longtime host Fayeth Walton, the decision to welcome international students was rooted in a simple conviction: “I believe in the kindness of strangers.” Her own travels had shown her the impact of generosity and hospitality, and she hoped to extend that same spirit to students arriving in Iowa.

Over the past forty years, Fayeth and her family have shared holidays, daily routines, and countless conversations with students from around the globe. She recalls learning to prepare Halal dishes and curries, assisting students as they navigated the process of obtaining a driver’s license, and watching them delight in rural life, from tending the garden to trying out the John Deere riding mower. What she values most, however, is the perspective she has gained: “We may have different customs or beliefs, but we all have the same needs for kindness, respect, and empathy.”

Hosting has also shaped Fayeth’s family. Her daughter grew up with “brothers” and “sisters” from many countries, an experience that later helped her feel at ease in diverse professional environments in New York City. Fayeth encourages new hosts to be open, flexible, and curious. “Some students want to have more contact with you, and you may become very close. Others may make connections with other students and become very involved in campus life, spending less time with you. Find out about the foods they like, both from their culture and ours. Cook together if they are interested. Find out about their families, hobbies, classes, pets”

While Fayeth’s experience spans decades, Moria, a retired art teacher, joined the program more recently and quickly discovered how meaningful even a single day with a student can be. Over one semester, she welcomed five pairs of young Brazilian women, each visiting for ten to twelve hours. The extended visits allowed for thoughtful conversation, and she often heard students remark on the openness and safety of Cedar Valley neighborhoods. Moriah admired their strong family bonds and the central role that food and togetherness play in their lives.

She ensured that each visit included a memorable experience. Some students toured the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Quasqueton; others explored the Amana Colonies or attended a concert at the Oster. At home, she incorporated her artistic background by offering creative projects such as friendship bracelets, Sculpey ornaments, and aluminum embossing. Many students later shared that their home visit was the highlight of their semester.

Several moments stood out. One pair prepared a traditional Brazilian stroganoff for her family after a three‑store search for ingredients. Another student mentioned her love of Harry Potter, prompting Moriah to purchase a fifty‑cent copy of the first book from the library’s Book Nook; a gesture that moved the student to tears. They later attended the symphony’s Harry Potter film event together. Before returning home, the student gifted Moriah a drawing of the two of them at the Frank Lloyd Wright house, a gesture Moriah found profoundly touching.

Hosting also brought moments of shared humanity. When one student lost her grandfather during her stay, they grieved together. “Grief is grief no matter where you come from,” Moriah reflected. Having traveled to twenty‑three countries, she already understood that every culture offers something unique and valuable. Hosting reaffirmed for her the importance of openness and the willingness to learn from others.

Sue’s fall 2025 experience with Brazilian CIEP students centered on faith, food, and meaningful cultural exchange. She met many of the students through the program and at St. Stephen’s Catholic Student Center, where their strong commitment to worship felt familiar to her own upbringing. Shared meals, whether at farmers’ markets, in her kitchen, or during a visit to the Amana Colonies became a natural way to connect and discover similarities between cultures.

Faith‑based outings were especially memorable. The students loved attending Mass at St. Patrick’s in Cedar Falls, and a visit to the Trappist nuns at the Mississippi Abbey became a highlight, especially when they learned it was linked to a convent in Brazil. Sue also arranged a visit to an iconography gallery, which deeply moved one student who later gifted Sue her own artwork.

The students’ first snowfall brought pure joy, with late‑night videos of them running outside and later making snow angels. They were fascinated by Iowa’s nature, from squirrels to the vast Mississippi River. They also loved downtown Cedar Falls and bonded easily with Sue’s teenage granddaughter over sports, makeup, and music. A Pumpkin Patch visit introduced them to American fall traditions, including the excitement of Halloween.

Throughout their stay, the students often remarked on how safe and kind Cedar Falls felt. Card games became a favorite shared activity, with the Brazilians teaching their own competitive games. Some of the most touching moments came through video calls with their families, who expressed deep gratitude. Even after returning home, students continued reaching out, and one hoped to return to UNI for further study. For Sue, hosting offered a way to experience global culture close to home. The friendships formed left her grateful and eager to continue welcoming international students.