FLC Family Connection
Student Engagement

Yes! You aren’t expected to always be available. Let students know you’ll be gone, and if something comes up where your help might be needed, they can contact Family Connections so another member can help. Also, most families are still accessible by phone or text when they’re out of town.

No. Students live on campus and are responsible for their expenses. Think of your role as that of a distant relative. Over Winter break, some students stay in Durango, especially foreign students. The apartments stay open but the dormitories close. You may invite your student to stay at your house during this time, but are in no way required or expected to do so. 

There isn’t a limit. You may suggest shared interests, such as picnics, movies, skiing, or hiking. FLC offers free rentals of outdoor equipment to students. You may want to show them Durango or the surrounding area, such as the Train Museum or Mesa Verde. Invite them to your house for dinner, especially for holidays, such as Thanksgiving. For students leaving Durango over the summer but returning in the fall, you may offer to keep their things. Rides to and from the airport, given Durango’s limited transportation, are especially welcome. Attending performances and snapping photos for students who participate in sports, music, or theater, is appreciated. 

There are no expected costs in participating in Family Connections. However, if you invite your student to eat out, the student will probably expect you to pay. The same could be true for other outings where you invite them to an activity with cost. The students may offer to pay their share, but most of the students are young and used to their parents picking up the tab, so if you expect them to pay for their portion, which is perfectly fine, please make it clear prior to them making their decision. There are so many free activities, such as those mentioned above, that you can fully participate in the program without expense. 

It isn’t uncommon for students to take off. Families often feel that they’ve done something wrong when they don’t hear back, but it implies the student hit the ground running, made friends quickly, and felt secure in Durango. The program is designed to make sure that the students who do need support, have it. When a family doesn’t hear back, that student has achieved independence quickly. A student’s background, such as being fairly independent at home, finding a group of old or new friends, and the student’s general personality affect their need to participate in Family Connections. The student’s parents may have pushed for the connection more than the student, or the student may have signed up ‘just in case.’ Keep sending texts to keep communication open, such as inviting them over for dinner, asking if they need a ride, or other offers. Students have a higher response rate to texts rather than calls or emails.

International students are the most likely to appreciate a family and to learn about the U.S. through that family, so if you want that experience, request an international student.