Friendship Family Program

FAMILY GUIDELINES

What is the purpose of the Friendship Family Program?

The Program seeks to introduce MSU international students to life in the U.S. and to acquaint Lansing area residents with other cultures through personal interaction in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Who are Friendship Families?

They are single or married persons, who desire to know about MSU international students and their culture.

How will the student and the family share their time?

The activities shared will depend on the interests of both the families and the students. A family meal, a cultural, or sporting event, a sightseeing trip around the area, a box of cookies at exam time, phone calls, a picnic and holiday celebrations are some suggestions of activities that can be done.

What are the responsibilities of the Friendship Families?

The responsibilities vary depending on the families choice of participation.

1. The Friendship Family Monthly Program - This has a commitment to be in touch with your student a minimum once a month. This is not a homestay program. Students provide their own housing. Transportation may be required since many students do not have their own car.
2. The Friendship Family Holiday Program - If you are able to share hospitality at Thanksgiving, or Christmas time, we can make arrangements for an MSU international student to be your holiday guest.

A new Friendship Family Program applicant must complete a 3-step application process:

1. You will need to fill out and return the family application form.
2. A committee member will call you for a phone interview.
3. Attendance at a Cross Cultural Orientation Seminar is the final step.

All steps are required in order to be matched with a MSU international student.

Attending an orientation seminar is required for all levels of participation in the program. The orientation seminars are held three times a year, and are conducted by MSU Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) staff and the Friendship Family Program volunteers at the International Center on campus. You will be notified of the date, time and location. It requires about 2 hours of your time.

While mutual inquiry into each others' religious beliefs and practices is an acceptable part of sharing cultural values and friendship, we should always respect the right of others to hold different beliefs and practices. Also, Friendship Families do not assume responsibility for financial, immigration, academic, employment, health or serious adjustment problems. The MSU OISS is well able to provide the needed help in these areas. They can be contacted at 353-1720.

The Friendship Family Program is a part of CVIP(Community Volunteers for International Programs), a volunteer organization associated with MSU's OISS office and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Thank you so much for your interest in showing kindness to MSU international students.

Families can apply by filling out a Family Application.

For more information, please contact Iris Horner, (517) 349-1865 or Bonnie Bankson, (517) 482-6657,
Or email at ffcvip@msu.edu or friendshipfamilyCVIP@gmail.com.