Title: Bringing the World to Lafayette-West Lafayette: International Students of Purdue University
1Bringing 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
2International 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.
3Orientation 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.
4Not 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.
5All 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.
6Meet 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.
7IFP 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, we might
not have known these places - Soonmi Hong, S. Korea
9IFP 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 others culture. They cooked
their meal, and I cooked some Iranian food - Alireza Asgari, Iran
10IFP 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
11IFP 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
12Thanks for Considering an International Friendship
- Marcus Hammack
- friendship_at_purdue.edu
- 496-7528
- Brochures available in the Foyer
- Look for the Intenational Friendship Sign