Friendship Partner®
Life is better connected
Statistics show that most international students who come to study in the U.S. never have the opportunity to enter an American home. They spend their time here studying and often their only social outlet is in spending time with other students from their own country, never having the opportunity to truly enjoy the “American experience.”
That’s why the Friendship Partner® Program (FPP) would like to invite you to join us in breaking down walls, building relationships between multiple cultures.
The Friendship Partner® Program exists to encourage the exchange of culture and friendship between international students and community partners.
See what our students and volunteers say...
"When I came to America, I had no friends and everything was new to me. But through ICF, I was introduced to a Friendship Partner® family and now I have many American friends and enjoy being in America very much."
MING
Student from China
"I think having a Friendship Partner® really helps, because you know at least one person cares for you when you are away from home and don't have anyone."
NUWANTHI
Student from Nepal
"The ICF Friendship Partners® Program was an incredible experience for me. It felt like finding a home away from home. They warmly embraced me and seamlessly integrated me into their family. Their genuine interest in sharing American culture and traditions with me was enlightening. They provided me with support and helped me settle down and adapt to life in the U.S."
Idahosa
Student from Nigeria
“I think every student should join the Friendship Partners® Program. It helps you connect with an American and build relationship with them. It is fun to get to know their culture, exchange cultural ideas with them and make a friendship.”
Joseph
Student from India
“When we heard that there was an opportunity to serve as a Friendship Partner® it was a no brainer because we love learning about the student’s cultures. We learn just as much as the students learn and we love every second of it. You will find that if you have a friendship partner, that you will have a friend for life because you are now apart of our family.”
Jim Zarbaugh
Volunteer
"Become a Friendship Partners®! It will not only enrich your life but it will also enrich the life of a student. You are able to make them feel welcome in the United States, and make them feel at home and serve them. It is an amazing opportunity that no one should pass up, in my opinion!"
Krista
Staff