|
Posted 08/29/02
Dartmouth's International Office is seeking volunteers to participate this fall in its International Friendship Program, which pairs students from international backgrounds with Upper Valley families for cultural exchange, friendship and support.
The International Friendship Program matches new international students, including undergraduates and graduate students, with a host family who will maintain a connection with the student throughout his or her Dartmouth career.
Families provide a perspective on American culture by including the student in informal dinners, holiday celebrations, and occasional family outings. International students bring with them their own cultural identity, history and an international perspective. Unlike other exchange programs, students do not live with host families but interact on a social basis.
"Bringing an international student into your family is a great way to learn to appreciate and understand other cultures," said Steve Silver, Director of the International Office at Dartmouth. "It also provides the student with a way of learning about American culture and our community."
Dartmouth's population of international students has doubled in recent years, with 45 countries other than the United States represented. Fifty-seven international undergraduates will matriculate this fall, in addition to the many international students attending Dartmouth's graduate schools of medicine, engineering and business and graduate programs in the arts and sciences.
Those interested in participating in the program should call the International Office at 603-646-3474, or send e-mail to International.Office@Dartmouth.edu. The program begins when students arrive on campus in September, 2002.
|
