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OISSS > Get Involved > International Friendship

international friendship

Applications | What Will Hosts Get Out of the Experience?
Activity Suggestions | Outing Attraction Suggestions

The UNC-Chapel Hill International Friendship Program is designed to match an international student with a family or individual with whom he or she can visit, enjoy an occasional meal, celebrate holidays, participate in community events and simply enjoy the exchange of international friendships. Housing and financial needs have already been met through other sources.

Photo: International familyThe separation from family and familiar culture patterns often can be a difficult and frustrating experience for the international student. However, by helping the student understand American culture and offering friendship, a host can ease the international student's adjustment to a new life in a new land.

For program guidelines, please contact International Student and Scholar Services, 962-5661, or email oisss@unc.edu

Applications
International Friendship Host Applications are welcome throughout the year. The greatest need for hosts generally occurs at the beginning of the academic year - August, September and October.

Once we match you with a student, we will mail you detailed information about your student and how to contact them. Usually, there will be a reception each semester for hosts and international students to get together and have some fun.

What Will Hosts Get Out of This Experience?
This program provides a rewarding and enjoyable experience of cultural exchange for local families or individuals and international students. Besides making new friendships, host families gain insight and greater understanding of other countries, cultures and customs.

Activity Suggestions

  • Plan a hike or picnic to a scenic area
  • Take your student to local ethnic events
  • During an election year, invite the student to watch election returns with you (a good way to explain our system of government)
  • Go to an auction, flea market, or yard sale
  • Throw a birthday party for your student; invite his/her friends
  • Include your student in family birthday celebrations
  • Write to your student's family; send photos of your family
  • Create a photo album together; include pictures and mementos of activities you've shared
  • Cook together; have your student teach you how to make his/her favorite dish from home, and teach your student how to make an American dish
  • Visit a local dairy or pick-your-own vegetable/fruit farm
  • Have your student accompany you on shopping and other business errands (introduce them to supermarket shopping, banking, etc.)
  • Take your student to visit a public school or your child's school
  • Invite your student to attend school performances in which your children or friends are involved
  • Attend a musical concert sponsored by a university performing group
  • Visit nearby places of historical interest
  • Ask your student to teach you a game from his/her home country
  • Ask your student what he/she would like to do or learn about!

Outing Attraction Suggestions

  • North Carolina State Fair - October
  • Festifall - October
  • Raleigh International Festival - October
  • Artists Home Tours (Orange County, Chatham County) - October & November
  • UNC-CH International Education Week - November
  • Chapel Hill Christmas Parade - December
  • Oakwood Christmas Home Tour, Raleigh - December
  • Chapel Hill Preservation Society's Christmas House Tour - December
  • First Night - Raleigh - December 31st
  • Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Raleigh - March
  • Picnic at Arboretum or Duke Gardens
  • Morehead Planetarium
  • Historical Tour of UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Museum of Life and Science, Durham
  • North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh
  • State Legislature (while in session)
  • Sports Events at UNC-Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill High School, Little League, Rainbow Soccer
  • Old Salem
  • Duke Homestead
  • Bennett Place
  • Patterson's Mill
  • "Jugtown" in Seagrove, NC
  • Local craft stores
  • Hike Pilot Mountain or Eno River guided hikes (Sundays at 2pm)
  • Hike or bike Raleigh Green Way
  • Ackland Art Museum
  • NC Zoo
  • NC Art Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Nascher Museum
  • Local craft stores
  • Art Walks (often monthly), Chapel Hill, Durhman, Trinity Park
  • Music Department Events