International Friendship Program looking for host families
July 6, 2015
Many Purdue faculty and staff have found flexible, rewarding relationships with international students through the University's International Friendship Program. By attending one of the orientation sessions being offered this month, employees will learn about IFP's expanding opportunities.
According to the Office of International Programs, well over 100 Purdue employees participated in IFP last year. Many of them were matched recently with the 49 students here under the Colombia-Purdue partnership. The new goal is for 100 new singles and families from Purdue and the community to join returning IFP hosts in welcoming new international students arriving in August. Nearly 10,000 students and scholars are coming to Purdue from more than 125 countries, so the need for welcoming faces around campus has never been greater.
IFP host households typically invite their international students to share in everyday activities like going to Farmers Market, attending a youth soccer game or eating a home-cooked meal with family and friends. Many IFP partners share holiday customs of both countries involved -- from the American autumn tradition of pumpkin carving to the Chinese spring tradition of dumpling eating.
International students who join IFP simply want to get a firsthand glimpse of American life and feel connected with local residents and their new community. In return, U.S. families gain cross-cultural understanding and new friendships.
To join IFP, attend a 45-minute orientation during the noon-1 p.m. hour on Wednesday (July 8) in Young Hall, Room 101. Other sessions are July 15 (W), July 22 (W), July 23 (Th) and July 30 (Th) at the same time and place. For more information, contact Beth Tucker at friendship@purdue.edu.
