Clemson Area International Friendship (CAIF)

FRIENDSHIP PARTNER PROGRAM

GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HOST FRIENDS

The Friendship Partner program is a visitation, not a home-stay program.

Students are assigned to a host for a period of one year.  Although the relationship may well continue beyond that year, we hope hosts will make themselves available to another student or students at the end of that period.

If for any reason whatsoever the student and host are not compatible, it is reasonable and possible to request a change.  Do not be unhappy about the situation or simply neglect to contact the student; but call the Friendship Partner Chairman, Carol Spitzer at 885-9405 and discuss your problem.

Hosts and students are asked to make contact about once a month.  It may be only to inquire about health and well-being, or it may be for an invitation.  The thought is the important thing.  Keep in contact to show your interest, and let your student know you are available.  If you will be away during the holidays or on a vacation, let your student know.  A lack of contact can cause misunderstandings.  When you arrange a time for a meeting, be sure the student knows when and where you will meet and what time you will be returning him/her to his/her apartment.  Transportation should be provided for the first meeting or two or until your student has his/her own transportation and is sure where you live and how to get there.

It is helpful to be familiar with the cultural background of the student, the geography of his/her country, and a few facts about it.  Check with the library to see if the State Department “Background Notes” on the specific country are available.  The World Almanac as well as the internet are also good sources of  information.

Religion and religious institutions constitute an important aspect of the culture of the United States, about which the foreign student should have an opportunity to learn if he/she so wishes.  However, the policy of the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs, as well as that of the CAIF organization, is that proselytizing is not acceptable.  Students should know that they are welcome to attend services with you, particularly during religious holidays, but you should indicate clearly the nature of the event as well as its sponsorship.

Some students have dietary restrictions based on religious or cultural preferences.  These should be listed on their form, or ask your student about it.

We suggest that, whenever possible, you invite the student for Thanksgiving dinner as well as some activity during the Christmas season and semester breaks.  These periods can be very lonely times for the student who does not have the resources to travel.  Other suggested activities may include children’s birthday parties, school activities, athletic events, concerts, lectures, local celebrations and special holidays.  We encourage you to make your student(s) a part of your family’s informal living rather than treating them like guests.  Let them see you in everyday living situations and let them help you in your activities and tasks, if it seems appropriate.

Encourage your student to explain his/her customs, country, food, etc. to you.  It may be that the student will want to prepare some food for you in your kitchen or at his/her apartment. 

DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITGY FOR FINANCIAL, IMMIGRATION, ACADEMIC, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH OR SERIOUS ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS.  Report these problems promptly to the Friendship Partner Chairman.

Here are some ideas of things you may want to do with your students:

Have them to your home for a meal or go out to a restaurant together.

Go to concerts at the Brooks Center or other facilities.

Go to events at the Peace  Center in Greenville.

Go to movies together.

Have a picnic together.

Go swimming or boating together

Go shopping together in Seneca, Anderson, Greenville, Commerce, etc.

Go to the Jockey Lot in Anderson on  a Saturday morning.

Local points of interest – Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, Whitewater Falls, Botanical Gardens, Geology Museum, World of Energy Visitors Center, Tallulah Gorge in NE Georgia, Highlands, NC for scenery and shopping, Biltmore House, Table Rock State Park, Paris Mt. State Park, Oconee State Park, Oconee Station State Park, Lunney Museum in Seneca, Sweet Treats between Seneca and Walhalla (for the best ice cream you’ll ever eat), Mt. Pisgah, Mt. Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi – off the Blue Ridge Parkway east of Asheville), Helen, GA, etc. etc. etc.

GO TO THEIR GRADUATION – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM