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

1. Bringing the World to Lafayette-West Lafayette: International Students of Purdue University International Friendship Program (IFP) Michael A. Brzezinski, Ed.D. Director, International Students and Scholars Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. IFP quotes “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, wemight not have known these places” Soonmi Hong, S. Korea

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Thanks for Considering an International Friendship Marcus Hammack friendship@purdue.edu 496-7528 Brochures available in the Foyer Look for the Intenational Friendship Sign