Families sought for Toledo International Hospitality Program

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Explore your world by becoming a friend of an international student.

The Toledo International Hospitality Program promotes friendship and cultural exchange between area residents and UT’s Center for International Studies and Programs to provide UT international students a positive, culturally rich experience outside the classroom, and to offer local citizens the opportunity and pleasure of building international friendships.

“Individuals and families from the community are matched with international students from all over the world and get together at least once a month to do fun things,” said Sara Clark, director of the Center for International Studies and Programs. “This program is an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures and to help our international students better integrate into life in the U.S.”

She encouraged individuals and families who would like to have this unique experience to sign up by Sunday, Sept. 23. An online application can be found at utoledo.edu/cisp/international/IEP/GO_UT/Hospitality.

Students are matched based on common interests with a community resident for a period of one year. Toledo residents will meet monthly with their students, including them in activities they enjoy, such as sightseeing, sporting events, shopping, coffee and conversation, birthdays, home-cooked meals, and holiday celebrations. American friendship partners do not provide permanent housing or assume any financial responsibility for students.

An information/orientation session for people who sign up for the program will be held on campus Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. The location will be announced through email.

There are more than 1,700 international students at the University from more than 80 countries.

The Toledo International Hospitality Program is governed by Global Opportunities UT, a community-based group, and is affiliated with the Center for International Studies and Programs at the University. The Toledo International Hospitality Program provides orientation for American friendship families as well as cross-cultural programs and group events each semester.

Toledo International Hospitality Program applicants will participate in an orientation meeting where program details will be shared along with upcoming events. A key event involves the annual Harvest Party, where participants will have the chance to meet their student(s) for the first time in the context of traditional American fall activities. This year’s Harvest Party will take place Sunday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 pm in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium.

The Center for International Studies and Programs supports members of the UT community, domestic and international, in their pursuit of knowledge and cultural exchanges.

Follow the center on Facebook @utcisp for future event and program information.