Join the International Friendship Program (IFP)

Information for New Students

Sign-ups for new Fall 2027 International Friendship Program (IFP) students is now closed. Sign-ups for the Spring 2027 IFP will open in December 2026.

The first semester studying in a new culture is an exciting adventure.

Students are curious about life in their new host culture and are eager to make friends with local residents, and the International Friendship Program (IFP) provides a way for them to do just that.

IFP is an optional program offered to all new international students.

Student participants are paired with community host volunteers who strive to meet about once a month during the student's first semester at Purdue. The intercultural relationships that are formed help to provide the support students need to be successful.

Program Details

All new international students will receive an email with an "ISS checklist" prior to arriving on campus in June/July (fall semester), or November/December (spring semester). Students can click on IFP link in the checklist, complete the steps to join IFP and begin their new cross-cultural friendship with an American host/family.

Benefits for students

Meet and make friends with local residents.
Learn more about American culture.
Practice English in a safe setting.
Get better acquainted with Indiana.
Participate in local cultural activities with others.

Key points to know

Students do not live with hosts in this program.
Hosts have no legal, financial or housing obligations to their student guests.
Friendship hosts and their students schedule their own meeting times.
IFP provides activities throughout the year for participants to enjoy together.
Hosts will provide transportation when they are able.