We invite local community members to become involved in our programs and befriend a University of Oregon international student or scholar. If you are interested, check out the general links below, then fill out a new member application. We will contact you with information regarding a new member orientation. After your orientation, we will match you up with an international visitor!

Short-Term Homestay

Short-Term Homestay is a great opportunity to make a lifelong friendship and learn about another culture. At the beginning of each academic term (September, January and March), new international students arrive four to six days prior to the International Student Orientation. During these few days, students need a place to stay before moving into their residence hall or apartment. Volunteer hosts are given the opportunity to invite new international students into their homes for a few days to help make the transition into a new community as comfortable as possible. During the short stay host families help students set up bank accounts, become acquainted with campus and settle into the American life-style. As a result of this experience, volunteer hosts and international students remain friends for life and develop even deeper appreciation for each other cultures. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to make a new friend and learn about a different culture.

International Friend

The International Friend program helps international students to immerse themselves in American culture, community activities and celebrations, such as a holiday party or a day trip to the Oregon coast. As international friends, volunteers offer their hospitality, care and friendship to UO international students throughout the year.

Working together, community members and their international friends plan activities and bonding opportunities to attend, such as the Autumn Intermingle. As a fun and flexible program with educational and cultural benefits, the International Friend program helps international students adjust and become accustomed to life in American society.

After international students have applied online and completed an orientation, their international friends are thoughtfully assigned to them based on common interests, hobbies and activities. With their newfound companions, both volunteers and international students have the opportunity to share their culture and personal experiences with one another.

Conversation Friend

Becoming a Conversation Friend is a great way to volunteer your time. This program will introduce you to amazing international students and scholars. The goal is to help new students practice and engage in simple, everyday conversations in English. Spending one hour a week with an international student will not only allow you to make new friends but also to learn more about a foreign country and its culture. A conversational friend may spend this hour doing a variety of different activities, such as cooking, shopping and exploring the life of an Oregonian.

If you’re interested in becoming an FFIS member and joining any of the above programs, please fill out a new member application or contact Becky Megerssa, UO Liaison at ffis@uoregon.edu.