Kent State University’s Office of Global Education is
seeking participants for its new Friendship Family program,
which is designed to help international students transition
into their new environment.

Kent State University’s Office of Global Education is seeking participants for its new Friendship Family program, which is designed to help international students transition into their new environment. Kent State faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to participate and help provide international students with a welcoming environment.

Ideally, under this program, families invite their matched international student to informal dinners, holiday celebrations, occasional family outings or any other activities that will enrich the student’s understanding of U.S. culture. Additionally, students are encouraged to invite their Friendship Family to campus events. This is not a host family arrangement, but simply a connection between a family and international student.

The Friendship Family program is designed for international students and families to build relationships and share culture in a unique and fulfilling way.

Why Friendship Family?

Kent State serves about 2,800 international students from myriad countries. Many of these students come to the United States hoping to engage in local cultural activities and make connections with individuals from the region. Kent State’s International Student and Scholar Services’ office offers programming such as day excursions to Cleveland Cavaliers games, ski and snowboard resorts, museums, and travel to cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. However, to support international students’ transition into the United States, a connection with the local community in the form of a “friendship family” could be a key component in adjusting to culture shock.

More often than not, international students arrive to the United States alone and without family members or friends in the area to assist in the transition into their new surroundings. In this difficult situation, support from the Kent community is the best service to offer international students.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, email KentFriendshipFamily@gmail.com.

For more information about the program, visit www.kent.edu/globaleducation/FriendshipFamily.