Guidelines

As participants in the Friendship Family program, you will have the chance to experience another person’s culture first-hand while creating a special bond. Be respectful and open to differences, remembering that you are an ambassador from your country. Enjoy this amazing experience!

•    You are matched for a period of one academic year (September-May), though the relationship may continue longer. If you wish to participate longer than one year, you are encouraged to connect with another family or student.

•    You should make contact with one another about once a month. The activity can be almost anything, as the important thing is the connection with one another.

•    Families, whenever possible, should invite students to celebrate holidays with them. Holidays can be a lonely time since international students don’t have family nearby.

•    We encourage you to participate in the various Friendship Family activities planned by Concordia College so that you can get better acquainted with other families and students in the program.

•    Students, explain your customs, country, food, country, religion, to your Friendship Family if they have any questions so that you can learn new things from each other.  

•    Religion is an important facet of many people’s lives across the globe. Learning about other religions can be very rewarding, and is also another way to understand a culture. As such, students should know that they may attend religious services and/or events with their family if they choose to. However, proselytizing (or religious recruiting) is prohibited in accordance with the NAFSA Association of International Educators ethical code. We encourage a respectful open dialogue when questions about religion arise. The most important thing is that the religious opinions or differences of both the families and students are respected.

•    Families, International Students on F-1 visas are prohibited from working off campus without authorization. As such, international students may not do jobs such as babysitting, housework, lawn work or other paid labor in your home. The penalties for working off campus can be severe, so please do not ask students to work for you.

•    Students, please do not ask your Friendship Family for financial support or other material items.

•    Sometimes, families and students may not be compatible. In these rare cases, changes can be made by contacting us.

•    The Friendship Family program is not a home-stay program. Students will not live with their assigned family.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students