This fall, the international affairs office at the University of Missouri-Rolla is again sponsoring the International Friends Program to help match international students with individuals and families in the community.
Through this program, members of the community can befriend international students, sharing cultures through participation in fun activities and discussions. Sponsors are not expected to assist the students financially or provide housing.
There is no charge to participate in the International Friends Program. Prospective participants are asked to fill out a questionnaire which will help pair community members and international students. Questionnaires must be completed by Wednesday, Sept. 15.
International students will be paired with community friends during a reception at UMR on Thursday, Sept. 23.
"Participants in the International Friends Program generally visit once a month in local homes or at special community functions, but the level of commitment is left to the individual," says Roberta Morgan, program coordinator. Host families and mentors can help the international students by offering advice and assistance in everything from taking a drivers’ test to shopping in American malls.
For more information on the program, contact UMR international affairs at (573) 341-4208, or email Morgan at birdie@mst.edu.