IS

The Friend Family Program is endorsed by the community section of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Purpose

The purpose of the Friend Family Program is to provide a means for international students to experience American culture at a deeper level not typically available to most students living only in dormitories or apartments.

At the same time, the families who participate in this program are able to become familiar with another culture as they spending time with an international student. Many families are interested in exposing their children to international students so that their children can learn about other cultures at early ages.

How the Program Works

1. Sign Up. Any student or family from the community may sign up. Use the Student or Family Application.

2. Assignment. Each new student who fills out an application is assigned to a family within the first few weeks of the semester or term.

3. Guidelines. The assigned family is to contact the student at least once a month by inviting the student to Sunday dinner, Family Home Evening, or other family activities. The friendship family is under no obligation to offer any form of financial assistance or allow the student to live in their home neither are is it allowed to proselyte. Brochures have been printed by NAFSA to help the families and students involved in this program understand each other better. Another brochure published by International Services provides additional information. Both brochures are available at International Services and are provided to applying families and students.

How can I get Involved?

Complete an application. Each application link above in #1 is to a computer keyboard "fillable" PDF file; to access, fill in, and submit the forms, you will need Acrobat Reader 8 installed on your computer.

Just click your mouse in the first name field and enter the required information. THEN press the TAB key to navigate from field to field through the application. If you need assistance, please contact International Services. You may receive a blank application at International Services that you may complete by hand if your prefer.