International
South Dakota School of
Mines & Technology
Ivanhoe International Center
Rapid City, South Dakota
WELCOME * VELKOMMEN * TOOLI
Friendship Family Program
Friendship Family Program
Ivanhoe International Center at
the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
and National
American University
Guidelines &
Responsibilities for Families
1. The Friendship
Family program is a visitation program for international students attending the
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T) and National American
University (NAU). It is not a home-stay or live-in program.
2. Students and
families are matched for a period of up to one academic year. Although the
relationship may continue well beyond that year, we hope families will make
themselves available to another student at the end of that period.
3. Should the student
and family be incompatible, it is reasonable to make a change. Please call the
student’s institution or ISI and relate the situation and we will make other
arrangements.
4. Families and
students are asked to make contact at least once each month. It may be only to
inquire about health and well-being, or it may be for an invitation. Keep in
contact to show your interest and let your student know you are available. The
thought is the important thing. Additionally, international students appreciate
the opportunity to practice their English skills.
5. A number of
activities are planned during the academic year. We hope that both students and
Friendship Families will take advantage of these opportunities to get acquainted
with other families and students, as well as the staff from the international
offices at SDSM&T, NAU, & ISI. We will send announcements to you. Your support
of these activities is very much appreciated.
6. Religion and
religious institutions constitute an important aspect of our culture in the
United States which the foreign student should have an opportunity to learn
about and observe if s/he so wishes. Students should know that they are welcome
to attend services with you, particularly during religious holidays, but you
should clearly indicate the nature of the event as well as its sponsorship.
When students have questions regarding religion, we strongly encourage an open
discussion. The policy of the Friendship Family Program, in accordance with
NAFSA: Association of International Educators policy, is that proselytizing (or
recruiting) must not be carried out.
7. We suggest that,
whenever possible, you invite your student for Thanksgiving dinner as well as
some activity during the Christmas season and semester breaks. These can be a
very lonely times, especially for the student who does not have the resources to
travel. Other suggested activities might include children’s birthday parties,
school activities, sports events, lectures, and special holiday celebrations.
8. Should your student
have difficulty in adjusting to the U.S., university life, etc., you may want to
contact the student’s institution or ISI.
9. Encourage your
student to explain his/her customs, country, food, etc. to you. It may be that
the student would enjoy preparing some traditional food for you in your kitchen
if they do not have facilities.
10. Most importantly,
relax and enjoy your affiliation!
Thank you in advance
for your involvement in this rewarding program.
| Name |
Suzi Aadland,
Director |
Misti Merriam |
Heather Fannin |
| Office |
Ivanhoe
International Center |
International
Admissions |
|
| Organization |
SDSM&T |
National American
University |
International Students, Inc. (ISI) |
| Address |
501 E. Saint Joseph
Str. |
321 Kansas City
Street |
15 Kansas City Str |
| |
Rapid City, SD
57701-3995 |
Rapid City, SD
57701 |
Rapid City, SD 57701 |
| Phone |
605-394-6884 |
605-394-4827 |
605-348-7696 |
| Fax |
605-394-6883 |
605-394-4871 |
|
| Email |
Suzi.Aadland@sdsmt.edu |
mmerriam@national.edu |
fannins@dakotaisi.org |
Contact: International Student Programs
This page has been visited 1,813 times since 06/19/2000
| http://www.hpcnet.org/friendship |
Last Modified: 02/27/2006 |
