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International students looking for friends

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Carol Munshower, director of the International Student Services and Programs office, wants to play matchmaker but needs some help.

Munshower would like to expand the International Friendship Program, which matches international students with American families to promote understanding and friendship. The program's motto, "Let's build a bridge around the world," expresses a commitment to international friendships.

"Now, more than ever, it is important that we get to know people from around the world and allow them to understand American culture," said Munshower. "We would like for every international student to have an experience in an American home with an American family."

Fresno State is the home of 724 students from 75 countries.

Currently, 150 families participate in the Friendship Program. After meeting their student, the families are encouraged to include them in family activities, outings, hobbies and an occasional dinner. This is not a live-in program.

In addition, some families want to assist students when they first arrive in Fresno from overseas. Munshower said that often, international students arriving in Fresno need to be picked up at the airport, bus station or train station and taken to their dorm, apartment or a motel. Sometimes they need a place to stay for two or three days while looking for permanent housing. The university expects approximately 150 new students for the spring semester; they will arrive the second week of January.

All of the Friendship Program families are invited to a social gathering in the fall and spring.
If you or someone you know outside the campus community are interested in the becoming a friend to an international student, contact the International Students' office at 8-2782 or the committee chair, Dick DeKoning at rmd23@alumni.csufresno.edu.

Back to University Journal, 12/10/01 Issue