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Contact Information:
(651) 690-6784
Couer de Catherine
Room 280
Mail F-29
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Friendship Family Program
The Friendship Family Program is a program in which international students entering the College of St. Catherine are matched with American families. This is a mutually beneficial program for families and students alike. The relationships that develop between families and students often foster an appreciation of how others live and look at the world, and also help participants learn more about their own cultures. In the process, friendships are formed, as is respect and value of cultural differences.
The Multicultural and International Programs and Services (MIPS) office administers the Friendship Family Program and the staff is available as a resource for any questions participants may have. You and your friendship family will be invited to programs throughout the year. At the end of the school year, the MIPS office hosts a large potluck dinner of international food and entertainment to which all Friendship Families, all international students and many faculty and staff of the college are invited.
The Friendship Families are expected to pick you up at the airport or train station when you first arrive. In case they are not able to do so, a representative of the college will be there to meet you.
Other expectations for the Friendship Families are:
- to house the student the first night she arrives and help her move into her residence hall.
- to befriend the student, and to introduce her to U.S. culture.
- to help ease the initial adjustment period.
- to be the initiator of contact with the student during the first months.
- to participate in as many of the programs organized by the office for Friendship Families as possible.
Friendship Families are not expected:
- to host the student overnight during vacations unless they want to.
- to give the student any money, co-sign loans or provide any services that are costly or inconvenient.
Students are expected:
- to communicate on a regular basis with your Friendship Family.
- to be respectful and polite.
- to be flexible and understanding of the cultural differences that may come up.
- to not ask the Friendship Family for money, loans or expensive items. |
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