Friendship Families Program
We can connect you with an American Family or Friend while you are away from home.
What is the Friendship Families program?
The Friendship Families Program is a great opportunity to get to know an American family or individual. Some students spend several years in the U.S.A. without ever really getting to know what American life is like outside the campus environment. Some recent statistics revealed that 40% of international students in the U.S. will never make an American friend during their time in the U.S.; 75% will never visit an American home; 80% will never visit a church in the U.S. We want to help change those statistics!
The Friendship Families program is sponsored by Friends of Internationals. We are a Christian student organization, seeking to make friends and meet the needs of international students on the USF campus. We can help connect you to a family for the Thanksgiving (November) or Easter (March/April) Holidays.
Why should you get involved?
This is a good chance to make friends outside the university and experience American life. You also become an “ambassador” for your country, sharing your culture with Americans.
Is this a Home-Stay situation?
No. You do not live with your host friend or family. It is simply a chance to visit an American home, get to know them and to develop a friendship. Your connection may include a visit to a local church (on the Easter holiday) and/or a meal at your host family's home.
How long does this friendship last?
Hopefully for a lifetime! Many friends and students continue to correspond long after students have returned to their home countries. It all depends on the individuals involved. The choice is yours.
How do you meet such a family or person?
Register at the link below. We will begin the registration process in October (for Thanksgiving) and in March (for Easter). You will be matched with a family or an individual who will be your host for the day. Once you have registered, it may take a couple of weeks to connect you with your friend or family.
What happens after I register?
After you register, you will be matched with a friend or family. Once a match has been made, you will be contacted by your host. They will set up a time and a place to get together. Your friend will pick you up if you don’t have transportation. Remember, your friend wants to get to know you!
Feel free to ask questions and get to know your friend, their family and their children (if they have them)! The more time you are able to invest in your friendship, the more rewarding and enjoyable it will be.
For more information, email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..