Round the World Women, began in 1966 as a small organization called “Round the World Wives”after a couple of wives of international students committed suicide. At that time women who came to Amherst from other countries could become very lonely and isolated if they didn’t have an opportunity to get out and make friends, especially if they had small children. A Tuesday morning conversation group led by Peggy Gage and a Thursday morning trip group with Eleanor Singleton began to support the needs of visiting international women.
These weekly meetings grew to include a host family program, weekly teas for international families, a handbook for International Students. The Amherst Town Committee for International Students (ATCIS) grew out of these programs. ATCIS is a non-profit, all-volunteer community organization that works in conjunction with the International Programs Office of the University.
Today, Round the World Women has grown to over 100 women from 25 countries. The Hospitality Program has ?? Amherst families that spend time with International Students during their time at UMASS, and welcome them to spend time with them at their homes.