Where will I live?
Our ISP provides students with two living options: (1) boarding in one of our on-campus houses as well as (2) homestays with local, fully-vetted American families.
On-campus Boarding Houses
On-campus international students reside in one of our dedicated boarding houses in a peaceful wooded area surrounding a small lake. Each boarding house is staffed by full-time, experienced houseparents who balance love, encouragement, and discipline to ensure every student’s success in the classroom and in life.
Our boarding houses offer an alternative to typical dorm life in traditional boarding schools by creating a family atmosphere within contemporary-style houses. A structured environment during the week provides for academic excellence and study. Weekends allow for more free time, social events, local shopping, and sports activities in one of our gyms or on one of our sports fields. On Sunday mornings, all students attend a local church meeting with their houseparents. Transportation is provided for all school events, airport pick-ups and drop-offs, TOEFL tests, SAT exams, doctor appointments, shopping, etc.
Homestay Options (Sample Homes)
Our homestay program matches one of our international students with a local Ben Lippen family. Ben Lippen provides families who love and care for each international student as one of their own family members and help them prepare for the next stage in life. Homestay students live with their host families seven days a week for the entire school year (August to May).
Meet our Houseparents
Steve & Patty Sark
Steve and Patty Sark came to Ben Lippen in 2015 when Steve accepted the position of International Student Program Director.
Meet our Houseparents
Tim & Connie Lewis
Tim and Connie have been houseparents at Ben Lippen since the fall of 2014. Before coming to Ben Lippen, they both served at Joy Ranch Children’s Home in Virginia.
Meet our Houseparents
The Thompsons
Mark and Jessica have been houseparents at Ben Lippen since 2023. Before meeting at Columbia International University, both spent time overseas as missionary kids.
