International Friendship Program looking for host families, holding orientation sessions

Many Purdue faculty and staff have found a flexible, rewarding relationship with an international student through the University's International Friendship Program. This summer, many orientation times are scheduled for faculty and staff to learn more about the program.

Faculty and staff who join IFP are encouraged to get together once a month with their assigned student over the student's first semester at Purdue. IFP hosts typically invite their students into their homes and everyday activities or to a local attraction or a holiday event. Experiencing life with an American family is a desire many international students have in coming to the U.S. In return, host families and friendship partners gain cross-cultural friendships and a deeper appreciation for the world beyond Greater Lafayette.

New hosts are required to attend a host orientation in July or August. Summer orientation will cover what is expected of host volunteers and how to sign up and get paired with a student.

Orientation sessions will be offered:
* From noon to 12:50 p.m. on  July 11, 19, 25 and 31 in Young Hall, Room 101.
* From 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. July 10, July 16 and Aug. 1 at West Lafayette Public Library, 208 W Columbia St.
* On Saturday orientation sessions will be held 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 4 at Cafe Literato, 1920 Northwestern Ave.

For the on-campus sessions, Grant Street Parking Garage passes are available upon request. Registration for the sessions is available online.

Those who have participated in IFP before and would like to be matched with a new student should email friendship@purdue.edu.

Email Beth Tucker, IFP coordinator, at friendship@purdue.edu for more information.