Michigan State University

Friendship Family Program

STUDENT GUIDELINES

What is the purpose of the Friendship Family Program?

The Program seeks to acquaint MSU international students with Lansing area residents in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It is designed to introduce international students to American culture.

Who are Friendship Families?

They are single or married persons who wants to know more about a MSU international student and his/her culture. The families live in the greater Lansing area and have different occupations and variety of interests.

Who sponsors this program?

Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) is an MSU volunteer organization associated with the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). This program is one of 15 different CVIP programs for international students and their spouses.

How will the student(s) 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. You are greatly encouraged to enjoy this opportunity as much as you can. A Friendship Family is looking forward to meeting you and they will want to help you feel welcome while you are here at Michigan State University.

What are the responsibilities of the Friendship Families?

In the Friendship Family Monthly Program, your Friendship Family will be in touch with you at least once a month to share some time together. In the Friendship Family Holiday Program, your Friendship Family will get together with you at either one or both of the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. Your family will usually provide transportation for your get-togethers if you do not have a car.

Discussion of religious beliefs and practices is an acceptable part of sharing cultural values, but both you and the family should always respect each others' beliefs and practices.

Families do not assume responsibility for financial, immigration, academic, employment, health or serious adjustment problems. If you have a problem, contact an advisor at the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), Room 103, Center for International Programs. Phone 353-1720.

What are the Responsibilities of the students?

The responsibilities vary depending on your choice of participation:

  1. The Friendship Family Monthly Program - This has a commitment of meeting with your family at least once a month. This is not a homestay program. You will not be living with your Friendship Family, but you are able to get together with them as often as your schedules allow.
  2. The Friendship Family Holiday Program - If your academic schedule keeps you too busy to enjoy the basic Friendship Family Program, you may still be able to meet a Friendship Family for the holidays of Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Tips on having a successful Friendship Family Experience:
  • Be specific about your time available for shared activities. Due to your academic responsibilities, you may need to set a time limit to return to your residence. If you have accepted an invitation but need to cancel it, please notify your family as soon as possible.
  • Feel free to discuss foods you may be unfamiliar with or food preferences and food restrictions you may have.
  • If you change your address or phone number, notify your family as soon as possible. If you do not make an effort to contact them, they may assume that you are not interested in meeting with them.
  • If isn't necessary to take a gift when visiting your family. A "thank you" note, or phone call, after your visit is suffice.
  • Families will often include you in American holiday celebrations, but this is not guaranteed. Sometimes families have other obligations at major holidays and are unable to invite you to join them. Donšt understand this as an insult, or that they donšt want to meet with you anymore.
  • Good relations do not always happen automatically when 2 groups of people meet. If you have any difficulties, or you decide to discontinue participating in this program, please contact a member of the Friendship Family Committee at the CVIP office (353-1735), or by e-mail - ffcvip@msu.edu or friendshipfamilyCVIP@gmail.com
How can students apply?

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

  1. You will need to fill out and return the Friendship Family Program Student Application form.
  2. You will be contacted by a Friendship Family Program committee member about a time for an interview.
  3. Attendance at a Cross Cultural Orientation Seminar is the final step.

All steps are required in order to be matched with a CVIP Friendship Family.

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 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 2 hours of your time.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please fill out the web application. You can also bring, or mail (U.S. or campus mail), it to the CVIP office, Room 12C, Center for International Programs. The CVIP office is open Monday-Thursday from 1-4 PM.

Filling the application online is the quick way to be sure your request is received.

A Friendship Family Committee member will contact you by phone, or e-mail, as soon as possible after receiving your application to get you started in this program.

Students and scholars can apply by filling out a Student 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.

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