The Friendship Family Program seeks to acquaint CMU international students with life in the U.S. and to acquaint Mt. Pleasant area residents with life in other countries and cultures. Through this program international students establish a friendly, supportive link to the community. Sharing activities together is a popular way of learning about each other. Some activities might include sharing a family meal, attending a cultural or sporting event, taking a sightseeing trip around the area, attending picnics, observing holidays, going to movies or shopping together. Activities shared depend on the interests of both the American family and the student.
Families are in contact with the student at least three or four times during the semester.
However, families often provide transportation to and from joint activities, since many students do not have their own vehicles.