Information for Community Partners
We love to make sure our students are out in the community! With support from our community partners, we can ensure our students are making connections and a positive impact in their neighborhood.
Friendship Family Program
Program Overview
Friendship Family is a program that links international students with local Twin Cities families. Founded on the belief that we should learn from each other; the program provides cultural experiences for community members and helps international students experience true Minnesotan/U.S. culture in American families.
Become a Host Family
Our goal is to make the local community a home away from home for international students. The program does not require a lot of extra time and effort. You just welcome your student into your normal family life. It's a great opportunity to expose yourself and your family to a new culture while helping new students learn about the place you call home.
Host Family Manual
Learn more about connecting with students by reading the Friendship Family information packet.
Program Overview
Program Overview
Friendship Family is a program that links international students with local Twin Cities families. Founded on the belief that we should learn from each other; the program provides cultural experiences for community members and helps international students experience true Minnesotan/U.S. culture in American families.
Become a Host Family
Become a Host Family
Our goal is to make the local community a home away from home for international students. The program does not require a lot of extra time and effort. You just welcome your student into your normal family life. It's a great opportunity to expose yourself and your family to a new culture while helping new students learn about the place you call home.
Host Family Manual
Host Family Manual
Learn more about connecting with students by reading the Friendship Family information packet.
Host Thanksgiving Dinner
The Office of International Students & Scholars invites you to join our Thanksgiving Dinner Host Program. This program matches international students with local families to provide opportunities to experience traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner. As a host, you will be expected to bring at least one student with you to your Thanksgiving celebration. Students living in the area can be hosts as well if they wish to invite their international friends to their families' celebration.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 24th this year!
Testimonials
Read about the benefits of hosting a student through the Friendship Family program.
Brad Pulles, Friendship Family partner
“If you are not sure about the Friendship Family program, just do it! It is a great way to welcome a new student to life here in the U.S., and you can have a big impact by helping to create a positive experience them. I have really enjoyed being a part of this program.”
Margaret Brandes, Friendship Family partner
“A fun way to learn more about another culture!”
Sally Hopkinson, Friendship Family partner
"We have loved being part of your Friendship Family program this year. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know [our student] and look forward to more adventures over the coming years."
Contact OISS
Murray-Herrick Campus Center
MHC 212 (2nd Floor)
Mail #5014
Monday–Friday, 8:00-4:30pm
oiss@stthomas.edu
(651) 962-6650