INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM

The International Friendship Program, originally started in the late 1980’s by Pat Grigg in conjunction with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Indiana State University, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is designed to help international students integrate into the community and to promote cross-cultural education in the Wabash Valley. In this program, some international students attending Indiana State University, INTERLINK Language Center, Ivy Tech State College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College have the opportunity to meet families from Terre Haute and the surrounding areas. It is hoped that this interaction will lead to increased cross-cultural awareness and long-lasting friendships. Student participants can gain a greater sense of belonging to the community and host families are given the opportunity to have more exposure to cultures from different parts of the world. Families who are interested in serving as “hosts” in this program will be matched with one or more international student, depending on the preference of each family. During the course of the year, several events will be sponsored in the community that will allow the families and students to interact with each other. Families and students are encouraged to get together and/or keep in touch with each other, but it is up to the families and students to determine what form these additional interactions take. Possible activities include invitations for dinner and participation in family or community events.

For more information about this program, contact Zachariah Mathew at 812-237-2439 or zachariah.mathew@indstate.edu

International Friendship Program Application Form