Information for Upper Valley Individuals & Families
Would you like to:
- Get first-hand experience of another culture without leaving your home?
- Become a special part of the Dartmouth family and proud parent of a Dartmouth student?
- Introduce an international student to American culture and traditions?
Then join our International Friendship Program and become a Host Family or Host Parent to a Dartmouth international student!!
In this growing age of global inter-dependence there is no better way for a family to learn about another cultural background than through hosting an international student. As you may be aware, the size of Dartmouth's international community has doubled over the past several years. Dartmouth's international population is extremely diverse with students, faculty and scholars from over eighty nations. In order to enrich the stay of our international students and to help ease their adjustment into a new culture, the Dartmouth College International Office sponsors a program called, "The International Friendship Program."
What is the International Friendship Program?
The International Friendship Program matches new international students (first-year undergraduates and graduate students) with a host family . The initial commitment is for the Fall term, but many students and families choose to remain in contact throughout the student's Dartmouth career. As a Friendship Family, you would provide a perspective on American culture, which the students may not experience on campus, by including the student in informal dinners, holiday celebrations, an occasional family outing, or any event that adds to the richness of the international student's experience in the United States.
What can the International Friendship Program bring to your family?
International students bring with them a fascinating history and fresh perspectives, which can enable you to learn and better appreciate the different cultures that encompass the community around you. Hosting an international student gives you the opportunity to become a special part of the Dartmouth community by participating in events around campus with your student. You will have the opportunity to truly touch the life of your international student by becoming their family away from home and introducing the unique culture of your family into their lives.
What has the International Friendship Program meant to its current participants?
“The Friendship Program brought me Wini – my host mom- in this foreign land. We do several activities together, from shopping in West Lebanon and having dinner together, to visiting horses, donkeys and sheep on her friend’s farm and staying in her hometown in West Virginia for Christmas. I feel very lucky to have her." - Yuni Yan, Undergraduate, Class of 2007
“The International Friendship Program has really made my time at Dartmouth enjoyable. The support of a loving family and the occasional homecooked meal have really helped me through some tough times. A home away from home is the best remedy for the possible culture shock in the United States." – Chris Chan, Undergraduate, Class of 2007
“The International Friendship Program has been a wonderful opportunity for our family. We now know two students who come from places far removed from the Upper Valley whose perspectives on Dartmouth and on the United States are refreshing and interesting. Our daughters have made a personal connection to the global community. We have all made lifelong friends. I would recommend the International Friendship Program to anyone in the Upper Valley who is interested in exploring the diverse and fascinating world we live in, one student at a time." – Kate Soule, Dean of the Faculty Office
“I like my host. I feel I have definitely made a friend for life and a better match could not have been made. Thanks very much to everyone at the International Office who matched us, and I hope to keep in touch with her well beyond the program and Dartmouth!!" – Toyin Abifarin, Graduate Student, Thayer School of Engineering
How can you or your family become involved in the International Friendship Program?
If you or your family is interested in becoming involved in the International Friendship Program please complete the Friendship Family Application Form below. The form is in Word Document format which you may choose to download, print and return via fax or mail to the International Office. If you are unable to apply using this format or have any questions about the program please telephone the International Office at 1-603-646-3474 and an application will be mailed via post. Applications are accepted year round. Applications received prior to September 5, 2008 will automatically be considered for participation in the 2008 program.
Friendship Family Application Form (DOC)
Once you or your family has completed the Friendship Family Application Form, the information you submit will be reviewed and a reply sent as soon as possible with additional information regarding the matching process. Generally, matches between matriculating graduate and undergraduate students and interested Friendship Families are made once per year prior to the start of the fall term. After the matching process is completed a reception is held within the first two weeks of the fall term in which all current Friendship Families and students are brought together to officially begin the International Friendship Family Program for the year.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
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