Friendship Family Program (Guidelines & Responsibilities for Students)
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Friendship Family
Program
Ivanhoe International
Center at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
and National American
University
Guidelines &
Responsibilities for Students
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
staff at the Ivanhoe International Center at SDSM&T, the international student
adviser at NAU, or staff at 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 with your family to show you are interested in them. The thought is the
important thing. This will also give you the opportunity to practice your
English skills.
5. A number of
activities are planned during the academic year. We hope that both students and
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 you should have an opportunity to learn about and observe
if you so wish. If your Friendship Family invites you to attend religious
services with them, particularly during holidays, go only if you feel
comfortable. When you 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. Suggested activities
for students and families to get together might include children’s birthday
parties, school activities, sports events, lectures, and special holiday
celebrations.
8. Explain your
customs, country, food, etc. to your Friendship Family. They may enjoy trying
some traditional food that you prepare for them. Ask questions about customs,
culture, religion, politics, etc. to learn more about your family and the United
States.
9. 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 2,249 times since 06/19/2000
| http://www.hpcnet.org/friendship_student |
Last Modified: 02/27/2006 |
