International Friendship Program
What is the International Friendship Program?
International Friendship Program is an outreach program sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The program matches Wayne State University (WSU) international students with American individuals or families who have similar interests. They stay in touch and meet occasionally to learn and share their cultural diversity. The objectives of this program are:
- To promote international awareness to the WSU campus and its local residents
- To develop cross-cultural friendships between WSU international students and Americans at WSU and the local communities
- To enhance and enrich the experience of the WSU international students about American customs and traditions
Why should I join the International Friendship Program?
International Friendship Program gives international students opportunities to become acquainted with Americans from Wayne State University and the surrounding communities for the purpose of sharing friendships and common interests. It is believed that the friendships developed between these two parties can last for a lifetime.
For international students, joining the International Friendship Program makes your experience in the United States more exciting and fulfilling. Besides sharing your culture, traditions, and knowledge about your home country with American families, you can also become a guest member of a local family and even feel as if having a family away from home. Typically, friendships between international students and American families are created through many ways such as occasional visits and spending time with one another on special occasions.
For American families, in addition to having first-hand experience of another culture without leaving the country, you will be able to introduce American customs and traditions to international students. There are more than 2,800 international students from over 100 countries at Wayne State University. These bright students came to the United States not only to seek educational achievement but also to learn about American lifestyles. Participating in this program allows American families to have direct experience with individuals who are originally from those cultures.
Who can participate in the International Friendship Program?
All WSU international students who wish to learn more about American customs and traditions are encouraged to join the program. You will need to complete the application form and return it to OISS. We will carefully review your information and match you with the most appropriate American individual or family.
American families generally are individuals or an entire household who appreciate cultural diversity and express an interest in sharing their time with international students. These individuals show their hospitality by welcoming international students to their communities and help them to become accustomed to a new environment and lifestyle in the United States. If you are an American who is interested in joining the program, please complete the application form and return it to OISS. We will thoroughly evaluate your application and pair you with the most suitable international student.
If you are interested in joining the International Friendship Program, please submit the application to:
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
42 W. Warren, Suite #416, Welcome Center
Detroit, MI 48202
Fax: (313) 577-2962
For more information, please feel free to contact OISS at (313) 577-3422 or e-mail oissmail@wayne.edu.
Please click here for American family application