August 13, 2009

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.

The 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.

Either of two coming sessions will offer information about this opportunity. Each is from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Elm Room at the West Lafayette Public Library (www.wlaf.lib.in.us/), 208 W. Columbia St.:

    * Option 1: Thursday, Aug. 13.

    * Option 2: Wednesday, Aug. 19.

"We had a young couple from Argentina," says Jay Marks, professor emeritus of food science. "It didn’t take a lot of time and effort, but it was very enjoyable. The biggest thing was just friendship with a very nice young couple."

Besides some orienting to America and Purdue and some shared meals, they had occasional outings to places such as Conner Prairie and the local 'Round the Fountain Art Fair.

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 1,000 new international students have been arriving at Purdue, he says.

Starting in 2001, Jennifer and Ryan Burnette have befriended five students. Together, they have enjoyed local activities, a family Thanksgiving and trips to Chicago and Indiana Beach -- where one student became a roller coaster nut.

"We try to get together at least once a month," says Jennifer Burnette, PC/Mac support specialist in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "It's rewarding to us just to help someone who comes from another country and doesn't know what to expect and what it’s like to live in this country."

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 e-mail friendship@purdue.edu  

Information is also at www.iss.purdue.edu/Programs/IFP/

Marks says he and his wife, Judith, met their students' parents when the students graduated. The students soon went back to Argentina, but they and the Marks stay in touch.

"It was a good experience," Marks says. "I would encourage others to participate."