Friends to International Students

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PROGRAM

Application to become a Host Family  
It is a fact that each year students from over 100 countries throughout the world come to study at The University of Oklahoma. Every student entering OU must have a working knowledge of the English language, but many have very little understanding and appreciation of the "American Way of Life." This can only be fostered by a program where families in the adjacent communities to the University lend a hand of friendship to these students. FIS is designed to fulfill these needs.


WHAT IS THE F.I.S. HOST FAMILY PROGRAM?

It is important to note that FIS is unlike other programs where the students live in the homes. Students in FIS live on campus and merely visit the host family's home.

  • Hosts are not responsible for the financial needs of the student. Every student must sign a waiver indicating they can meet their financial responsibilities while in this country before obtaining an entry visa.
  • The host families commit to one semester. However, many choose to continue for the full academic year. In some cases, the friendship may last for the duration of the student's tenure at OU.

 

HOW DOES THE F.I.S. STUDENT SELECTION PROCESS WORK? 

At the beginning of each semester, during the arrival orientation, the student has the opportunity to fill out an application indicating their desire to have a host family for the semester.

  • Host families will meet soon after the arrival orientation and select a student or students from the applications.
  • A "get acquainted" reception will be held for the hosts and international students soon after the beginning of classes.
  • Notices of all events and dates will be mailed to each host family. The reception date will also appear in the student's orientation packet.


WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PLANNED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Education Abroad & International Student Services fund several activities for the hosts and students during the year. In addition, other opportunities in which host families can share individually with their students are:


  • Providing transportation, i.e., offer to take them grocery shopping, etc.  
  • Include them in special holiday festivities such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. 
  • Celebrate their birthday.
  • Take them to movies or some of the many cultural events held on campus, in Norman and the surrounding areas.
  • Take pictures together. Their families back home will enjoy them.
  • Soon after classes begin, the students will become occupied with their studies and may not have time for socializing. However, an occasional phone call to say "hello" is important.
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    WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
    Hosting a student from another culture can be a rich experience. The relationship often continues to grow after the student leaves the University. The rewards range from learning more about different cultures in the world to discovering new and valuable friends. Friendship between individuals from different nations contributes to world peace and understanding.

    HOW DO I BECOME A HOST FAMILY?
    Please complete the Host Family Application and submit by e-mail or regular mail to:

    Diana Tiffany
    Education Abroad
    The University of Oklahoma
    640 Parrington Oval, Room #222
    Norman, Oklahoma 73019-0380
    Phone: (405) 325-1607
    ddtiffany@ou.edu