About Friends of International Students (FIS)
Every year hundreds of new international students arrive at West Virginia University. For those students who are interested, we try to assign a local individual or family. These new “friends” can offer much welcomed hospitality and friendship. They can also help ease adjustment to and provide understanding of life in West Virginia.
The Friends of International Students Program offers the possibility of a mutually rewarding relationship between the American family and the international student, giving each the opportunity to learn from the other.
Many of these international students in the United States are sophisticated young adults from countries with unique cultures, very likely hundreds of years older than that of the United States. They have much to share.
This program does not involve providing housing for the student. Simple informal meals, visiting local places of interest, or just watching a favorite TV show together are the kinds of hospitality that help to fulfill the desire of most international guests – getting to know an American family.
Most international visitors’ knowledge of this country is gathered from movies, newspaper headlines, and modern literature. These do not always give a true characterization of life in the United States. It is hoped that by comparing differences and similarities between the student’s culture and U.S. culture, both student and host will have a rewarding cross-cultural experience.
Because relationships have to be nurtured, the student and host family are requested to maintain a monthly contact for one year, even if it is only a note or a telephone call. Active participation by both parties is vital to the success of this program, so it is important that you think realistically about your commitments before signing up to participate in this program.
We attempt to match the student to the host family on the basis of common interests. When possible, we try to assign the student to the host family as soon as the student requests participation.