International students meet friends through university program
Posted on 7/26/2010
Topics: Academics and Student Activities
Some individuals who wish to study in the U.S. may be concerned that life in a different country could be lonely. Non-U.S. citizens may be afraid of leaving the comforts of home, family and friends. However, many American universities are creating programs to make learners who are new to the U.S. feel at ease and connected.
For example, the University of Minnesota's International Students Office created the Adopt-a-Student program. Through this initiative, residents of the Morris area are invited to welcome and befriend a non-U.S. student.
New residents will be paired with individuals, couples or families for one semester. The primary purpose is to promote and facilitate intercultural friendships and to help students become comfortable living in Minnesota. Community members get the chance to learn about new cultures and international students receive an informal introduction to American customs and life in the U.S.
The Morris campus is expecting 60 non-U.S. learners this fall, from countries such as China, Malawi, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore and France.
Through the Adopt-a-Friend program, and other similar initiatives, new students will have the chance to go on picnics, visit farms, bike ride, canoe, shop, attend sporting events and participate in other fun activities.
The Institute of International Education reports that a total of 671,616 international students were enrolled at American universities during the 2008-2009 academic year.
For example, the University of Minnesota's International Students Office created the Adopt-a-Student program. Through this initiative, residents of the Morris area are invited to welcome and befriend a non-U.S. student.
New residents will be paired with individuals, couples or families for one semester. The primary purpose is to promote and facilitate intercultural friendships and to help students become comfortable living in Minnesota. Community members get the chance to learn about new cultures and international students receive an informal introduction to American customs and life in the U.S.
The Morris campus is expecting 60 non-U.S. learners this fall, from countries such as China, Malawi, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore and France.
Through the Adopt-a-Friend program, and other similar initiatives, new students will have the chance to go on picnics, visit farms, bike ride, canoe, shop, attend sporting events and participate in other fun activities.
The Institute of International Education reports that a total of 671,616 international students were enrolled at American universities during the 2008-2009 academic year.
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