Have you ever:
- Been alone, away from home, and wished for someone to talk to?
- Wanted to know more about another country or culture?
- Wanted to make friends with someone from another country?
- Wished you could do something to promote understanding between cultures?
Consider becoming a friend to a UNK international student through the International Friendship Program!
The Friend and New International Student applications are currently open for Summer 2024.
Information for Individuals/Families
Who's It For?
What kinds of people make good international friends?
- Single people, couples, people with children, retirees, professionals. Neither marital status nor age matter.
- People who enjoy other people and want to share a bit of their lives with them.
- People who have an interest in expanding their horizons.
How will I benefit?
- Friendship with an incredible young person, which can last a lifetime and lead to correspondence, travel and new horizons.
- Experience different cultures from around the world.
- Children learn first-hand about people or countries they have studied in school.
What's my commitment?
What commitment do I make?
- The duration of the commitment is one year. Many participants maintain contact with their student as long as the student is in town, and beyond.
- Get together with your student once or twice per month. If time allows and you choose to do so, it is appropriate to get together more often.
More FAQs
What should we do with students?
- Invite them to your home for meals, games and movies.
- Experience holiday traditions.
- Attend cultural and athletic events in town.
- Visit local historical places.
- Outdoor activities such as kayaking and biking.
- Invite them to share their own food, history and culture with you.
How should I act?
- Be yourself! Speak more slowly and clearly and explain any slang or idioms you use.
- Involve children and grandchildren; it is often easier for the students to become more relaxed around children because of their openness and enthusiasm.
- Show interest in the student’s country, family and customs.They will enjoy sharing with you.
Can I choose the nationality of the student you assign me?
- You may put your preference on the application and we will do our best to honor it.
Do all international students participate in the program?
- No, international students choose to apply to participate just as you do.
- Students want American friends and want to learn about American family life, culture and traditions.
- This program allows them to have personal involvement with community members that they would not get otherwise.
What kind of food should I serve?
- Ask the students if there are any foods they cannot eat for health or religious reasons.
- Chicken, vegetables and rice are common in most countries, while sweet foods may be unfamiliar to some students. The students are anxious to try foods that are typical American dishes.
What about religion?
- International students come from a variety of religious backgrounds. Many are not Christian.
- Conversations about each other’s religious beliefs and practices can be interesting and informative.
- Students in the International Friendship Program may attend church with their Kearney family if they would like to.
- Respect the student’s beliefs. Persistent efforts to convert students to your religion, or pressuring them to attend religious events are unacceptable.
What should I do if I have other questions?
- The coordinator of the International Friendship Program will maintain contact with you throughout the year. Feel free to ask questions of the coordinator!
Information for Students
Who's it for?
What type of student is this program for?
This program is for all international students who attend UNK. Whether you are an English Language Institute student, a one semester study abroad, or in your final year of your studies, the International Friendship Program is a great opportunity. You will be able to meet up with a local friend to experience life in Nebraska. This gives you the chance to practice English in a relaxed setting, build friendships, and make connections in the community. This is also a great program to apply to with a fellow student! Many of our friends will have multiple students at a time. Each individual student needs to fill out an application, and then just mention on your application form the other student you want to have a friend with.
What's My Commitment?
What will my time commitment be?
The time commitment is one year. You will be asked to meet up with your friends 1- 2 times a month on average during that year. You are also asked to communicate and set up meet up times with your friends and let them know ahead of time if you cannot make the meet up. We also want you to invite your friends to UNK! If there is an event on campus, your friends are always welcome to join you!
More FAQs
More FAQs
- This program is not set up for any money exchange. You do not pay any money, and you do not get paid.
- Friends are volunteering their time and may cook for you in their home. This is their gift to you.
- Many of our friends love to learn about other cultures. Please feel free to share your traditions, experiences, and talents with your friends! They want to learn more about you!
- If you have any ideas for activities or places you want to see around Kearney, ask your friend about it.
- If something isn't working out, contact Dr. Chance Bell iss@unk.edu. Chance can help if there is a problem and can answer questions.
About IFP
Purpose of the International Friendship Program
Connect international students with Kearney area individuals/families for personalized sharing of culture, enjoying activities together, and enhancing English language skills.
Contact Us
Dr. Chance Bell
Program Coordinator
Email: iss@unk.edu
Testimonials
"This has been the most important experience for me in the U.S. because I have learned a lot about the culture and English language. My family is the best, and they always make me feel at home."
