International Friendship Program Seeks Faculty and Staff Participants

Kent State University President Beverly Warren poses
with a group of international students during a 4th of July
picnic held near Tri-Towers.

Kent State University’s Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Global Education are seeking individuals and families interested in participating in the International Friendship Program. This program pairs a Kent State faculty or staff member and their families with a Kent State international student. Individual faculty and staff members also are welcome to join the program. The purpose is to build relationships and immerse in cultural exchange.

“We are looking for faculty or staff members who have the desire to learn about a new culture and provide a welcoming environment for a Kent State international student,” says Eron Memaj, international student affairs director in the Division of Student Affairs.  “This is not a home-stay program. Rather, in this program you and the student would decide when to meet.

“One example could be inviting your matched student to occasional dinners, holiday celebrations or any other events that would enhance the student’s experience and comprehension of U.S. culture,” Memaj adds. “This relationship would continue for the rest of the academic year.”

Kent State faculty and staff, as well as their families, will have the opportunity to learn about a new culture from the international student and develop an international friendship.

“With Thanksgiving around the corner, it would be nice if we could open our hearts and homes to an international student for a warm meal and the opportunity to experience an American tradition with a family,” Memaj says.

If you would like participate in the International Friendship program, please complete an application at www.kent.edu/globaleducation/InternationalFriendship.

If you have questions or need more information about the program, contact Memaj at ememaj@kent.edu.