Be an intern or just volunteer!
Learn about other cultures and languages!
The Office of
International Education offers fluent English speakers the chance to befriend
international students studying at Virginia Commonwealth University. Over 75% of all international students in the
United States never enter an American home during their entire stay. This can be a difficult and lonely time for
students as they adjust to a new culture and language while being far from family and
friends.
Previous
participants, adults and children alike, have enjoyed learning about other cultures and
languages. Through this enriching experience,
deep friendships have developed and continue long after students’ formal education
has been completed.
Open to singles
and families, the volunteer program provides several alternatives to suit the needs of
student and host. Ongoing support from
Student Services will be offered.
A. Conversation Partner
(Internship opportunity)
The international
student meets for one hour each week with the fluent English-speaking volunteer in order
to practice his/her English skills. No
foreign language or tutoring skills are required.
B.
Friendship Partner
(Internship
opportunity)
Experience
another culture while befriending an international student who is far from family and
friends. Get together once a month for a
casual dinner or a fun outing. This enriching
friendship will change the way you look at the world!
A
student and single individual/family are matched for the school year. Frequency of contact may vary, but in most
cases, the student will visit the individual/family once a month. Phone contact between visits is encouraged.
C. Host
Family
The student lives
with the host family for 8-16 weeks, while acclimating to this new environment. Expenses for room and board will be paid by the
student. Entry points for new students in the
English Language Program are January, March, June, August, and October.
D. International Student Coffee Hour
Students, staff,
and community visitors gather weekly for a time of socializing and refreshments. It is a time for students to meet and develop
friendships with classmates and Americans in a casual setting.
E. Holiday Visit
A student is
invited into a home for the day in order to experience a “typical” American
holiday, whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th, etc. Families will do what they normally would for the
day and ask the student to participate. Many
times this is more comfortable if two students join the festivities together.
F. Holiday
or Emergency Housing
Students living
in the dormitory must vacate during the holidays and require temporary housing for this
time. Also students sometimes need emergency
housing for a few days up to 2 weeks.
For more information, contact Pam Haney or
Bob Wood at 828-2551 or visit our office at:
916 W. Franklin St.
Office of International Education
Room 106
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