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Friendship Program
UT Austin International Friendship Program

Guidelines & Requirements | How to Apply | Upcoming Events | Newsletter | Contact Us |

 

One of the most rewarding experiences is the opportunity to share your culture and learn about others. When you become friends with internationals or those from the local community, there is a reciprocal exchange of traditions, customs, and lifestyles which is an exciting learning opportunity. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) offers UT’s International Students & Scholars, and Austin’s local community this opportunity through the Friendship Program.

As an international student or scholar, getting involved in the Friendship program will provide you with the opportunity to meet local Austin community members that will help you settle into Austin and the American lifestyle as well as share cultural insights. As a host, getting involved in the Friendship Program will provide you with the opportunity to meet people from various cultures and background and help them have a world experience during their stay in Austin.

Guidelines & Requirements

International Students and Scholars:

  • Must be affiliated with The University while participating in the Friendship Program
  • Must have the intention to remain in the program for one school year once matched
  • Be willing to engage in a monthly activity with your host
  • Be open and willing to engage in new experiences, and the sharing of your culture and values

Local Austin Community Hosts:

  • May be a single person, a couple, or a family, and living in Austin or a nearby city (e.g. Round Rock, Bastrop, Buda)
  • Must have the intention to remain in the program for one school year once matched
  • Must have the intention to engage your international match in a monthly activity
  • Be open and willing to engage in new experiences, and the sharing of your culture and values
  • Adhere to the International Office Guidelines for Community Volunteers (PDF), adapted from NAFSA Code of Ethics

How to Apply

Applications for the 2013-2014 school year will be available in May 2013. The matching of Internationals Students/Scholars with hosts will take place in August and email notifications will go out in time for the School Year Kick-off event (Date and Time to be determined). Applications for the 2013-2014 year will be available in June.

Friendship Program Application (for International Students & Scholars) - Coming Soon!

Friendship Program Application (for Hosts) - Coming Soon!

Upcoming Events

End of the Year Celebration

Date: Sunday, April 28th
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Zilker Park Rock Garden Pavilion (2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704)*
Appetizers and drinks provided by ISSS

Newsletter

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please send an email to intercultural@austin.utexas.edu.