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 should be
completed by Thursday, Oct. 18.
International students will be paired with community friends during a
reception Monday, Oct. 22, in UMR Southwestern Bell Cultural Center, 1207 N.
Elm St., in Rolla.
“We are not only friends in this program, but more like a family, a big
family," says UMR student Feng Liu, former president of UMR’s Chinese
Student and Scholar Association. “Host families help us overcome all kinds of
problems, especially with language. Most students really improve their English
after finding a host family."
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.
“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.
For more information on the program, contact UMR international affairs at
573-341-6147, or email Morgan at birdie@mst.edu.