The International Friendship Program is designed to promote friendship and cultural exchange between local citizens and the Appalachian international students and scholars. Organized by the Office of International Education and Development, through this program, international students or scholars are matched with a family or an individual.

Local participants are encouraged to invite students into their homes, share meals, celebrate holidays, and participate in community events with their host student. The International Friendship Program is a program to help ease the international visitor's adjustment to a new life in an unfamiliar land. In return, hosting participants can enjoy the cultural exchange and develop international friendships while gaining a greater understanding of other countries, cultures, and customs. The International Friendship Program does not involve home stays, but operates simply as a friendship program for cultural exchange.

What are my responsibilities as both a local program participant or host student?

As a participant, you are asked to:

• Get together once a month (or more often if you'd like!)
• Maintain regular contact via phone or e-mail
• Respect the other person's culture, beliefs, religion, customs, etc.
• Treat that person as you would want to be treated if you were in their country

Participants are paired for the length of a student's or scholar's stay at Appalachian.

Once we match people, we will email or call you with information and how to contact the student or scholar.

• International Friendship Program Participant Application
• International Friendship Program Student / Scholar Application