The International Programs Office is pleased to present the Friendship Family Program. The goal of the program is to provide informal opportunities for international students at YSU (ages 18 and older) to connect with volunteer Friendship Families in the greater Youngstown area.
The program is designed to facilitate the development of rewarding relationships by matching students with local families, based on mutual interests and hobbies. Once paired, students and Friendship Families choose activities that best suit their needs. There is no cost to participate and at minimum, we ask for a semester-long commitment.
The Friendship Family experience is often one of the fondest memories a student has of studying abroad, as it gives them an opportunity to explore life beyond campus, practice their English, and generally enjoy a connection to the city that they might not otherwise experience. For the Friendship Family, this is an exciting opportunity to learn about another country and culture, while helping international students transition to life in the United States.
Please note that this is not a homestay program. Students live on or around campus, and join their Friendship Families in activities that expose them to aspects of American life, such as sharing a meal, going to a sports event, hiking in Mill Creek Park, seeing a movie, Handel’s ice cream, see this list for other idea.
To Participate as an International Student:
To be matched with a local Friendship Family, please complete and submit the following two forms:
- Questionnaire. Complete the Google form questionnaire.
- Student Participant Release. You may complete the release (PDF) and electronically sign it; or print, sign and scan the form and then e-mail it to ipo@ysu.edu.
To Participate as Friendship Family:
To be matched with a YSU international student, please complete and submit the following 2 forms. (Single individuals, married couples, empty nesters, retirees, and families with children are all welcome to participate as Friendship Families.)
- Questionnaire. Complete the Google form questionnaire.
- Friendship Family Participant Release. (HR Form) You may complete the release (PDF) and electronically sign it; or print, sign and scan the form and then e-mail it to ipo@ysu.edu.
(You may also submit the release at the International Programs Office— Jones Hall, 1st Floor.)
We will do our best to match students with Friendship Families based on the information provided, and contact both parties before the start of each semester. Once matched, students and selected families will be given each other’s contact information so that they can arrange a time and place to meet.
The International Programs Office (IPO) hosts an International Coffee Hour every Friday from 3:00-5:00 pm in Jones Hall which can be a convenient time to meet.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact the International Programs Office at 330-941-2336 or ipo@ysu.edu.
Expectations of Program Participants
As a Student
- Students will live on or around campus, and participate in mutually agreed upon visits and activities. If any outings incur expenses, students should expect to cover their own expenses unless otherwise mentioned by the Friendship Family.
- The number of students who can be matched will depend on the number of hosts who volunteer.
- Transportation can be provided in a number of ways, depending on whether or not the student has a car, or can take a bus, Uber, or Lyft. Many times the Friendship Family provides transportation to and from activities. Students and Friendship Families are encouraged to discuss these options and their expectations.
As a Friendship Family
- Friendship Families are not expected to house students, tutor, offer financial assistance, academic advice, or information about Immigration and/or Visas. They can refer students to the International Programs Office for such issues.
- Friendship Families are not expected to cover any student expenses, but are more than welcome to do so. Please feel free to communicate any expectations/boundaries with your student.
- Transportation can be provided in a number of ways, depending on whether or not the student has a car, or can take a bus, Uber, or Lyft… Many times the Friendship Family provides transportation to and from activities. Students and Friendship Families are encouraged to discuss these options and their expectations.