1. What is International Friends?
The International Friends program is designed to help build relationships between the Kirksville community and the International community at Truman State University. International students are eager to get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of an American family. Many international students spend 4 to 5 years studying in the United States and never see the inside of an American home. International friends hopes to change that!
2. Who can be an International Friend?
We recognize that families come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are a newly-wed couple, a single parent, or to a family of ten, we encourage you to participate in International Friends! The most important factor is that you are eager and willing to learn about new cultures while welcoming others into yours.
3. What are my responsibilities?
Responsibilities include making your student feel welcome in our community, being eager to learn about their culture, communicating with them regularly, and making an effort to meet with them about once a month.
4. What is the best way to contact my student?
While there’s no “best way,” we encourage International Friends families to use email, phone calls, or even Facebook to get in touch with their students. Be sure to discuss preferred methods when you first meet your student.
5. What is the time commitment?
The great thing about the International Friends program is that finding a time to get together with your student should be easy! This can be very flexible, and you can choose to meet with your student as little or as much as fits into both of your schedules (with a goal of getting together about once a month). We do ask International Friends families to commit to the program for at least one semester.
6. Will the students live with me in my home?
Students will not live with you in your home. Students have housing either on or off-campus for the entire school year, so their housing needs are taken care of.
7. Why should I be an International Friend?
Being an International Friends family can be a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get the opportunity to learn more about other cultures, but it is amazing to know that you are making a difference in the lives of others and promoting cultural awareness. International students are often away from their homes for long periods of time and it really makes a difference to feel welcomed by a second family. Also, you will not be alone! You will be among several other families in the program that also share your interest in cultural exchange.
8. How fluently do these students speak English?
Although a student’s English may not be perfect, all students are required to meet a minimal English proficiency—so you will be able to communicate with them! Casually speaking with the members an International Friends family should be an easy, low-pressure way for the students to practice their speaking outside of the classroom environment. You may even learn a little bit of their language, if you ask!
9. Do I have to live in Kirksville to be an International Friend?
You do not have to reside in Kirksville to be an International Friends family. However, if you live outside of Kirksville, please be willing to accommodate transportation needs for your student, as most international students do not have a car.
10. I have ideas about recruiting families for this program. Who can I contact?
If you know anyone that may be interested in joining International Friends please invite them to sign up. Do not hesitate to contact the Center for International Students (contact information below) if you have suggestions for recruiting other families in our community.
Have more questions about Truman State University?
Contact the Center for International Students.
Truman has a beautiful campus. When I first came here, I don’t know the school, the people and the country at all. But I like the orientation and the cultural leaders. They helped me a lot and made me know more about the new environment and adapt it quickly.