Bringing the World to Lafayette-West Lafayette: International Students of

Purdue University

International FriendshipProgram

(IFP)

Michael A. Brzezinski, Ed.D.Director, International Students and Scholars

Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies

International Friendship Program

Learn about different cultures by developing a rich personal relationship with a Purdue international student.

Provide a Purdue international student with an opportunity to see local family life firsthand and to participate more fully in community life.

• Gain a new perspective by exchanging ideas and customs.

Orientation Required

We spend about an hour with a group of applicants, answering questions and giving helpful cultural suggestions regarding how to develop a meaningful relationship with an international student.

Not a Homestay, Just a Friend

One student called it "an occasional dinner partner."

There is no commitment beyond friendship.

Participants have no legal, financial or housing obligations to their international student friends.

All Lafayette-West Lafayette Residents

Participants come from all walks of life and have diverse interests.

Families with and without children, single parent families and individuals participate in this program.

Meet Once a Month

Participation does not require any set amount of time, just the mutual interest and convenience of both parties.

However, it is recommended to attempt meeting once a month, on the average.

IFP Quotes

– Students

"This program is like a bridge between two nations and across the hearts of two cultures" Lily Xinqing, former International Friendship Program student participant

“My hosts introduced us to interesting places in the Lafayette area and invited us to Thanksgiving dinner. They invited us to special events such as the play about Easter. We were able to have a good time going to the Battlefield Museum and the Wabash river walk.

Without their help, we might not have known these places”

Soonmi Hong, S. Korea

IFP quotes

“For me, being in the friendship program was a great opportunity. I was introduced to a very great family. First they helped me to become familiar with the environment (like where to go shopping, restaurants and other daily facilities). Then we talked a lot with each other about each other’s culture. They cooked their meal, and I cooked some Iranian food”

Alireza Asgari, Iran

IFP Quotes

– Friendship Volunteers

"It started with Ali and then his buddies started coming.… They play with our kids [three boys], and we watched the World Cup together, especially the German games. It is a breath of fresh air to have guys around who don't mind talking and sharing their thoughts. It is great.”

Lars Nielson, (who with his wife Jan, befriended Ali in Fall 2001), Journal & Courier, Thursday, August 1, 2002; page C3

IFP Quotes

"The first time Huijun [Wang] came to our house, she was so appreciative. She said she had dreamed about doing this, to have another family in America.”

Susan Puterbaugh, IFP friendship volunteer, quoted in The Journal & Courier, Thursday, August 1, 2002; page C3

IFP Quotes

Thanks for Considering an International Friendship

Marcus Hammackfriendship@purdue.edu

496-7528

Brochures available in the FoyerLook for the Intenational

Friendship Sign