International Friendship Committee Families

What is an IFC Family?

Becoming a friend to an international student is an opportunity for local families and individuals to learn to share history and culture.  It means discovering differences and similarities in values and beliefs, hopes and ambitions.  If you’ve ever wanted to involve yourself or your family in global understanding, this is your chance.  Most members come from ALL (Adventures in Lifelong Learning), an organization of active retired citizens but we welcome individuals and families of all ages. 

Qualities we look for and benefits you’ll derive as an international friendship family are:

• A warm, open minded, non-judgmental, welcoming sense
• An interest in sharing our American culture and lifestyle
• An interest in learning a different culture
• The desire to include an international student in your community or family
• An acceptance of other cultures

Families often want to get involved as soon as the international students arrive on campus.  You can demonstrate your support by welcoming the students and assisting with transportation.  Students need to be picked up at a local airport and may need overnight accommodations because often they arrive before the dorms open.  Families often offer to give students a local tour, assist with shopping for dorm supplies, etc.   

If you’ve ever wanted to expose your family to another culture, this may be a great way to get involved.  Seeing our culture through an international student’s eyes is rewarding and enriching.  You’ll increase your knowledge about another country, learning about their way of life, foods, religions, language, etc.  Many longtime friendships have started through this program and we invite you to join us as we make the world a smaller place!