FRIENDSHIP FAMILY Program with RCIP!

October 15, 2020

Get involved with Ball State's international community and become a Friendship Family for Fall 2020!
Do you want to experience new cultures? Support international students as they adapt to life in Muncie? Expand the horizons of your world without leaving home?

If so, the Friendship Family program is for you! The Rinker Center for International Programs is currently recruiting community members to volunteer as friendship families for international students in the Fall 2020 semester!

What is the Friendship Family Program?

We match international students with local families or individuals in and around Muncie. The goal is to provide international students with additional support while in the US, along with a unique opportunity to experience American culture. Students do not live with the families, nor are families responsible for any financial assistance.

Who can join?

We only ask that you live close enough to Ball State to physically meet with your student on a monthly basis, and that you approach this relationship with an open mind and heart. We have friendship families who are individuals, couples, couples with children, etc. Some friendship families are originally from the US, and some are from other countries.

What is the time commitment?

Families and students are asked to commit to getting together at least once a month.

What about COVID-19?

When you apply, make a note about your meeting type preference: whether you would like to meet with your student(s) in person (with social distancing), virtually, or a combination of both. You will be matched based on your comfort level. The Friendship Family Coordinator will also be sending out ideas for fun activities you can do in both settings.

How can I join?

If you are interested in the Friendship Family program for the Fall 2020 semester, please complete an online application, or contact Samantha Fletcher at the Rinker Center for International Programs at friendship@bsu.edu for more information.

While we welcome adults of any age and walk of life, if you are an undergraduate student at Ball State and interested in befriending international students, the Cultural Connextions program may be a better fit for you. Please contact Deb Goens at dgoens@bsu.edu for more information.

We hope that you choose to take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience new cultures and build friendships with international students!

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