International Friendship: A win-win opportunity
Connecting with those from other countries expands both friends' worldview, and making such a friend is easy to do with International Friendship at Purdue. Individuals, couples and families at Purdue or in the area can connect with one or more international students.
Those with interest in such a connection can learn more at one of the sessions below, conducted by the program sponsor, Purdue's Office of International Students and Scholars. Each sessions is at the West Lafayette Public Library's Walnut Room (www.wlaf.lib.in.us), 208 W. Columbia St.:
* Option 1: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
* Option 2: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
* Option 3: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Susan Puterbaugh, a volunteer host, describes meeting her student this way: "The first time Huijun came to our house, she was so appreciative. She said she had dreamed about doing this, to have another family in America.”
Hosts are encouraged to share activities with their students about once a month throughout the students' time at Purdue.
Marcus Hammack, immigration counselor in ISS, says most hosts invite their students to dinner at home, on a picnic or to an interesting place or event in the area.
In recent weeks, more than 2,000 new international students have been arriving at Purdue, he says.
"For me, being in the friendship program was a great opportunity," says Alireza Asgari, Purdue student. "I was introduced to a very great family. First they helped me to become familiar with the environment (like where to go shopping, restaurants and other daily facilities). Then we talked a lot with each other about each other's culture. They cooked their meal, and I cooked some Iranian food."
Asgari’s friendship volunteers were Lars and Jan Nielson. "It started with Ali and then his buddies started coming," Lars Nielson says. "They play with our kids [three boys], and we watched the World Cup together, especially the German games. It is a breath of fresh air to have guys around who don't mind talking and sharing their thoughts. It is great."
Hosts undertake no legal, financial or housing obligations, Hammack says. They simply gain a friend and a glimpse of another culture and perspective.
For more information, come to one of the information sessions above, call Hammack at 49-67528, or email friendship@purdue.edu. Information can be found also at www.iss.purdue.edu/Programs/IFP.
