Have you ever thought about welcoming a new University of Oregon international student to the university community?
Consider hosting an international student for just a few days in September to ensure they receive a warm and supportive welcome to the UO and the surrounding region.
International students are integral to the UO — they come from over 90 countries, enriching the university community. The Division of Global Engagement is preparing to welcome approximately 100 new international students this fall and short-term homestay hosts – individuals and families – are needed.
The short-term homestay program is an opportunity for those eager to get to know a student from another culture to share American hospitality. The typical stay is three to five days, depending on the student’s arrival and move-in date for permanent residence.
Homestay volunteers play a vital role in the student’s transition by:
- Picking them up from the Eugene airport or bus or train station.
- Helping them settle into their new environment in Eugene.
- Providing an introduction to the area, including public transportation, banking and essential shopping.
- Assisting the international student in getting to the Eugene campus for International Student Orientation.
Individuals and families interested in hosting an international student for a short-term homestay are encouraged to sign up by early July. Each commitment ensures that the program has enough hosts to match the incoming students.
Kent Henriksen, steering committee chair for the Friendship Foundation for International Students, said hosting an international student has been worthwhile for him and his partner.
“Jeanne and I have been participating in the FFIS Homestay program for more than 40 years,” he said. “The friendships that we have developed have been some of the most rewarding experiences in our lives.”
Since 1950, the UO’s International Student and Scholar Services office has been partnering with the nonprofit Friendship Foundation for International Students to match families with thousands of international students and scholars for short-term homestays.
“My host helped me adapt to Eugene and made me feel accepted in the community,” said one international student. “She gave me a brief explanation about the city and culture and acted as a perfect mother for me in the three days I stayed with her.”
Other opportunities include becoming a conversation friend or hosting students for Thanksgiving dinner.
To learn more or volunteer with the friendship foundation, visit their website or email ffis@uoregon.edu.
—Spencer Smith, Division of Global Engagement