The Marquette International Friendship Program creates year-long “friendship matches” between Marquette’s international students and Milwaukee community members.  Through the friendship matches, Milwaukee community members and Marquette international students learn about one another’s culture while sharing leisure and family activities.  The program does not involve home-stays, just occasional get-togethers.

 

What is the International Friendship relationship like?

In general, the friendships in the program develop based on the individual personalities of the students and community members.  Some matches build on common interests like outdoor activities or cultural events, while others prefer to meet for coffee every so often.  As you begin to know one another better, the relationship will eventually establish its own direction.  Just relax and be yourself, students simply want to experience day-to-day American life, so just include the student on what you normally do.

 

What are common activities students and community volunteers enjoy?

While there is no “common” activity, many times a match will share an interest based on a specific activity.  Other times a match will just prefer to get coffee and chat.  The emphasis is on including the student in normal activities that volunteers do anyway, as opposed to creating special events.  Your student will find excitement in ordinary things like trying American food.  They will also enjoy trying typical “American” activities like carving a pumpkin, fishing, attending a local cultural event or sporting event. And while it is not required, the program encourages volunteers to invite their students to any holiday celebrations as appropriate.  These are often an excellent way for our students to learn about American culture.

 

May individuals participate in the Marquette International Friendship Program?

Yes!  We encourage both individual community members and families to join the program.

 

What is the length of commitment?

The formal match lasts for one academic year, from September to May.  Of course, you are free to continue your friendship after that. During the formal match, we ask that you spend time with your student at least once a month.

 

Whom will I be matched with?

You will be matched with a Marquette international student.  These students hail from all over the world.  If you have an interested in a student from a particular region of the world, we will do what we can to arrange a match. 

 

When will I meet my student?

Matches will be made a few weeks after the beginning of the Fall Semester (mid-September).  Marquette’s Office of International Education will host a meet and greet reception where community members meet their students.

 

How do I join?

If you are interested in applying, you need to contact Blake Ward in the Office of International Education at Marquette University.  You can reach Blake by phone at 414-288-7289 or by email at blake.ward@marquette.edu.  After that, you will be given an application and once we receive the completed form we will put you on the list.