The Friends International program is seeking volunteers to befriend new international students at Iowa State. Volunteers act as a second family to help international students feel more at home and provide a community friend to the students through shared activities and organized events. The program started in the 1950s, and originally the organization was created for the Intensive English program to help students practice their English speaking skills. Today, the program has expanded to include all international students in regular academic programs, said Jane Edwards, coordinator and advisor for Friendships International. Students fill out an application about their interests, home country, major and languages spoken, at the office of international students and scholars.
Volunteers fill out a similar form and are paired with students with the same interests.
Right now we have 55 friends paired with 76 students. Host family LaVonne and Maurice Clark of Ames became involved in the program six years ago after their four children left home, and they have enjoyed many activities together with their student friends. We have taken students to the State Fair, which is always a favorite. We have even had the students cook their ethnic meals for us, which was enjoyable. They've gotten acquainted with our children too.