Local residents who enjoy learning about other cultures are invited to connect with Missouri University of Science and Technology’s international community through the university’s International Friends Program.

The program brings together international students and community members to share meals, conversation and their respective cultures. Meetings are typically held once a month, but times and activities are based on the availability of both parties. Participants are not asked to provide housing or assist the students financially.

Missouri S&T’s International Friends Program will introduce students and community members at a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in S&T’s Southwestern Bell Cultural Center, 1207 N. Elm St. in Rolla.

“The relationships these international students develop with members of the community are often the most rewarding and memorable experiences they have,” says Roberta Morgan, program director in the international and cultural affairs office.

Prospective participants are asked to fill out and return a questionnaire by Saturday, Oct. 25. The downloadable form is available online at international.mst.edu/students/internationalfriends/. Forms are also available in S&T’s Applied Language Institute located in Room 105 of the Southwestern Bell Cultural Center.

For more information about the program, call 573-341-4335 or email Richie Myers, program coordinator in the international and cultural affairs office, at myersrj@mst.edu.