Families interested in world culture and forming relationships with international students studying in the United States can connect with such young people through the Friendly Family Program at Tri-State University.

The program aims to provide opportunities for TSU students to develop their support system beyond the campus and become familiar with family life in the United States. Program participants will be assigned a student for one academic year.

Students and program participants make contact two to three times per semester, for activities such as birthday celebrations, local festivals, concerts, lectures, holidays, athletic events or sightseeing excursions. While the contact can take the form of an invitation, it can be as simple as a friendly phone call to check on the student’s welfare, said Mari Williams, events coordinator for TSU’s international students.

“As an international student, it is difficult to adjust to college life and a new culture simultaneously,” Williams said. “To help, we want to offer them the opportunity to connect with a local family. The families would then be there to share about the American culture, invite them to activities, or simply be there if the student is in need or has questions.”

For more information on involvement in the TSU Friendly Family Program, contact Williams at 260.665.4646 or williamsm@tristate.edu.

Related Link
International Student Center