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“Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.”-Rod McKuen, Looking for a Friend
The Office of International Education offers Americans the chance to befriend international students studying at VCU. More than 75 percent of all international students in the U.S. never enter an American home during their entire stay. This can be a difficult and lonely time for students as they adjust to a new culture and language while being far from family and friends.
Previous participants have enjoyed learning about other cultures and languages. Through this enriching experience, deep friendships have developed and continue long after students’ formal education has been completed.
Open to singles and families, the volunteer program provides several options to suit the needs of student and host. Ongoing support from Student and Scholar Services will be offered.
Conversation partner (for international students)
The student meets for one hour each week with the American volunteer in order to practice his/her English speaking skills for one semester (10-12 weeks). No foreign language or tutoring skills are required.
Friendship families
A student and single individual/family are matched for the school year (nine months). Frequency of contact may vary, but in most cases, the student will visit the individual/family once a month. This is a casual time and may include dinner in the volunteer’s home or an outing together. Phone contact between visits is encouraged.
Host family
The student lives with the host family for eight to 16 weeks, while acclimating to this new environment. Expenses for room and board will be paid by the student and they will provide their own transportation. Entry points for new students in the English Language Program are January, March, June, August and October. Academic students begin their studies in either August or January.
International coffee hour
Students, staff and community visitors gather weekly for a time of socializing and refreshments. It is a time for students to meet and develop friendships with classmates and Americans in a casual setting. Everyone is welcome at this weekly event.
Holiday visit
A student is invited into a home for the day in order to experience a typical American holiday, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4, etc. This activity is more comfortable if two students join the festivities together.
For more information, contact Pam Haney, Bob Wood or Jean-Michel Hatton at (804) 828-0808 or visit the office at 916 West Franklin Street, Room 205.
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