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How do I sign up for the friendship family program?
Please fill out the friendship family questionnaire from the Office of International Programs. You may also contact the Coordinator for International Programs, Boyoung Roh. Once the application is completed please return it to the Office of International Programs by mail or electronically at [email protected] |
Friendship Family Program
Application form 
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Wanna Become Friendship Family?
What is the friendship family program?
The Office of International Programs matches international students with local families and singles. The goal is for the student to learn about and experience American culture outside of Lander. We also hope that the student will share his/her culture with you and your family. This is the start of what could be a lifelong relationship where you and your student will learn from each other and grow together. We hope that this experience will encourage you to break stereotypes, discover your own city, and continue the international experience once your student returns to his/her home country.
“Hosting is a small but essential step in contributing to world peace, tolerance, and understanding – it happens one relationship at a time.” (NAFSA)
What do you do?
Activities with friendship families depend on the interests of the family and student. Activities previous friendship families have done together include trips to the grocery store, watching a movie, going out for coffee, attending plays and concerts, sporting events, visiting an apple orchard, pumpkin carving for Halloween, dying Easter eggs, celebrating holidays, etc. Please visit students’ blogs and see how they enjoy time with their Friendship Families: landerkoreanstudents.blogspot.com/
Does the student live with me and my family?
No, the student will not live with you and your family. If you are comfortable with the student and would like to invite him or her to stay at your home during holiday breaks, you are welcome to do so. Also you should note there is no financial obligation on your part to the student or Lander.
Do I need to do something with my student every week?
No, but we do ask that you do something with your student at least once a month. This is an exciting opportunity for you and the student.
The Office of International Programs matches international students with local families and singles. The goal is for the student to learn about and experience American culture outside of Lander. We also hope that the student will share his/her culture with you and your family. This is the start of what could be a lifelong relationship where you and your student will learn from each other and grow together. We hope that this experience will encourage you to break stereotypes, discover your own city, and continue the international experience once your student returns to his/her home country.
“Hosting is a small but essential step in contributing to world peace, tolerance, and understanding – it happens one relationship at a time.” (NAFSA)
What do you do?
Activities with friendship families depend on the interests of the family and student. Activities previous friendship families have done together include trips to the grocery store, watching a movie, going out for coffee, attending plays and concerts, sporting events, visiting an apple orchard, pumpkin carving for Halloween, dying Easter eggs, celebrating holidays, etc. Please visit students’ blogs and see how they enjoy time with their Friendship Families: landerkoreanstudents.blogspot.com/
Does the student live with me and my family?
No, the student will not live with you and your family. If you are comfortable with the student and would like to invite him or her to stay at your home during holiday breaks, you are welcome to do so. Also you should note there is no financial obligation on your part to the student or Lander.
Do I need to do something with my student every week?
No, but we do ask that you do something with your student at least once a month. This is an exciting opportunity for you and the student.
Friendship Family Reception- Spring' 12
Welcome to Friendship Family Welcoming Reception! Last Sunday Office of International Programs held an appreciation reception for Friendship Families for international students at Lander University. Dr. &Mrs. Ball, VPs, staff, and most Friendship Families who give great support for this program came to the reception and made it more valuable.
We had a Korean dinner including Bulgugi, Korean BBQ, Kimchi, fermented spicy cabbage, assorted rice cakes, sweet rice juice, among others. Even though most of attendees said that it was their first time to taste Korean food, they enjoyed the food a lot and said they like Korean food! It was a great success! For the program, each Friendship Family was introduced by their Friendship Students and the students expressed their appreciation to their family. It was a touching moment for us and families to learn how important and valuable learning each other’s culture and accept each other from different cultures. Currently, Lander has 13 Friendship Families. They are comprised of Lander faculty, staff, families and individuals from Greenwood community. They invite the students over their family activities, gatherings, meals, and even take a trip together as a family does.
At the end of the reception, very talented korean students performed on the stage to appreciate their Friendship Families. They sang James Mraz's songs and some Korean songs. We really enjoyed their performance, and this special stage made this event more colorful and delightful. I’d like to share a testimonial from a Friendship Family with you.“… I would be glad to provide a couple of statements as to why people should offer "adoption" or to become a host family. I believe others do not realize the blessings you receive. Edward and I feel it has been us and our family, who has received the benefits and blessings from the relationship with Sehee, not the other way around. But hopefully she has learned something about America and us as well.” – Ms. Jeannie McCallum, HR Director at Lander University
We had a Korean dinner including Bulgugi, Korean BBQ, Kimchi, fermented spicy cabbage, assorted rice cakes, sweet rice juice, among others. Even though most of attendees said that it was their first time to taste Korean food, they enjoyed the food a lot and said they like Korean food! It was a great success! For the program, each Friendship Family was introduced by their Friendship Students and the students expressed their appreciation to their family. It was a touching moment for us and families to learn how important and valuable learning each other’s culture and accept each other from different cultures. Currently, Lander has 13 Friendship Families. They are comprised of Lander faculty, staff, families and individuals from Greenwood community. They invite the students over their family activities, gatherings, meals, and even take a trip together as a family does.
At the end of the reception, very talented korean students performed on the stage to appreciate their Friendship Families. They sang James Mraz's songs and some Korean songs. We really enjoyed their performance, and this special stage made this event more colorful and delightful. I’d like to share a testimonial from a Friendship Family with you.“… I would be glad to provide a couple of statements as to why people should offer "adoption" or to become a host family. I believe others do not realize the blessings you receive. Edward and I feel it has been us and our family, who has received the benefits and blessings from the relationship with Sehee, not the other way around. But hopefully she has learned something about America and us as well.” – Ms. Jeannie McCallum, HR Director at Lander University
