Friends and families of Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg PA welcome CIH international students to spend the holidays with us. 

Our home-stay program typically includes: 

• Time with hosts, as well as group activities

• Holiday activities at Market Square Presbyterian Church or others

• Muffins at Midnight on New Years Eve

• City tour of Pennsylvania’s state capital

• International dinner to share food and cultures

• Gettysburg historical/ghost tour

• Bus trip to Washington, DC  (additional cost)

• Bus trip to New York City  (additional cost)

• Trip to Lancaster Amish Country  (additional cost)

Some hosts have offered:

• snow tubing

• trips to Hershey Park

• trips to Baltimore or Philadelphia

• outlet shopping

• hockey games

• community service volunteers

• concerts//plays//museums

• ice skating

• hay auction

• other exciting experiences

Travel to/from Harrisburg: 
Christmas International House – Harrisburg begins Saturday, December 17 and ends Monday, January 2, 2012.  Any exceptions to this schedule must be approved – in advance – by Bonnie McCann and the host family.  Most students arrive at the Harrisburg International Airport (code:  MDT), by train (Amtrak) or bus. 

Weather: 
Harrisburg is usually very cold in the winter:  25 – 45 degrees F.  We could have snow and cold winds – so you will need walking shoes and warm clothing, including a coat, hat, scarf and mittens/gloves.

Money: 
Plan to bring enough cash and/or “Travelers Checks” for your expenses because local banks will not cash personal checks.  Travelers checks in American dollars are available from your bank at school.  Meals in your host home will be provided.  Group trips, and any other travel or personal shopping, will be at your own expense.  Most students bring at least $200 - $500 in cash or travelers checks.

International Dinner: 
We will have an “International Dinner” at the church.  Hosts, students and others friends of CIH will bring favorite foods to share.  You will have the opportunity to share music, dances, stories or art from your homelands.  You may want to bring favorite recipes, traditional clothing of your country, photographs, musical instruments and recorded music – anything you can easily carry that will be your way to share your country and culture.

Bus Trips:
CIH-Harrisburg offers one-day bus trips to Washington DC and to New York City at a reduced cost for students.  CIH-Ephrata also offers one-day trips to the Lancaster Amish Country, also at a reduced cost.  Students MUST reserve a seat on the bus and purchase your tickets in advance from Bonnie McCann.  We cannot guarantee seats unless you buy tickets BEFORE December 1.  All tours include lots of walking – inside and outside.  Be sure to bring warm clothes including coat, hat, scarf and gloves.

 
 

Program Size	10 students
Program Type	Homes
Accommodations	Males and females, couples and families
Dress	Warm clothes, including coats
Suggested cash for optional personal expenses	Personal expenses, shopping, bus tours
Program Dates	December 17, 2011 to January 2, 2012
Airport	Harrisburg Airport (MDT)
Train Depot	Harrisburg Transportation Center
Bus Depot	Harrisburg Transportation Center
Driving Directions	On request
Weather	Can be very cold, maybe snow
Local Attractions	State Capital, County Courthouse, State Museum, Civil War Museum, Hershey Chocolate Factory, Candyland, Amish Country, Gettysburg