International friendships receive boost from ISS program
Most people who form international friendships find them enlivening and enlightening, and at Purdue it's easy to get started.
The International Friendship program, organized by the Office of International Students and Scholars, connects individuals, couples, and families at Purdue or in the area with one or more international students. The program's design promotes fun, learning and cultural understanding without heavy obligations.
The program's basis and helpful tips will be presented in a required orientation to be conducted three times next week at the West Lafayette Public Library, 208 W. Columbia St. Persons interested in being hosts should choose one of these times:
* Wednesday, Aug. 18: 6-7 p.m.
* Thursday, Aug. 19: 6-7 p.m.
* Saturday, Aug. 21: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Hosts are encouraged to share activities with their students about once a month throughout the students' time at Purdue, says Marcus Hammack, immigration counselor in ISS. 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 1,000 new international students have been arriving at Purdue, Hammack says. Many are eager to learn about American customs and life, often holidays in particular.
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, attend one of the information sessions above, call Hammack at 49-67528, or e-mail friendship@purdue.edu. Information is also at www.iss.purdue.edu/Programs/IFP/.
