" We have hosted students for many years and found it to be a very rewarding experience. It's amazing how quickly the international students integrate themselves into the community. Their enthusiasm about being at the University is contagious -- we are reminded that we live in a beautiful area with a lot to offer. "

Friendship with your International Student

The Boulder Friends of International Students is a great way to meet people from other countries and to really get to know them as individuals, and for them to get to know Americans, too.  Boulder Friends love this program because of uniqueness of each of the relationships they've made.  When one of our long time hosts, Sunni Eckhardt, reflected on her experience she recalled this:

As early as the 1960s, Sunni noticed that Middle Eastern students gravitated to her.  Later in life, she discovered that in the Middle East, filling a glass up to the top means that the kettle is empty and it’s time to go home!  Of course, the fact that she never fills a glass to the top is really a bit of good fortune.  The habit grew as a way to keep young children from spilling! 

While this bit of blind luck certainly helped this host, success is due in larger part to the time and care one puts into his/her international relationships.  Sunni explains to her new students that they can think of their hosts as aunts and uncles or older cousins.  As with family, honesty is the best policy, and she doesn’t make pretenses of being anything other than what she is.  Sunni's fun and down-to-earth attitude has kept her very busy meeting students from all over the world!

Remember, international students are young adults. They will have busy schedules, and will make friends and contacts among their classmates and in the many international student clubs on campus. They do want to get to know Americans, though. Together you will need to find a way to make your relationship "fit." If you have questions, please call 303-492-8057 or e-mail bfis@colorado.edu. The students are all different and have different needs. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.

What is expected of me as a host?

As a potential host, you may have some questions:

1. How much time am I required to give? As much as you want. Most hosts meet with their students at least once a month --for dinner, a movie, a sporting event, a hike, a cup of coffee. There are also BFIS --sponsored events throughout the year including a Welcome Picnic in late August and the Farewell Dinner in the spring.

2. What is my financial obligation? Absolutely none.

3. Does the student live with me? No. Students are either housed by the University or in an apartment off-campus.

4. I don't speak another language...  That's fine!  All students speak English and most speak English well even before arriving.

5. I'd like to give it a try, but our family is so busy --our children are too young... Having a busy family works well with this arrangement! Remember, these students have families back home, so they are delighted to participate in family activities.

Tips and Ideas

What activities are fun to do with an international student?

• BFIS Events - BFIS plans events throughout the year like the Welcome Picnic at Chautauqua Park and the Farewell Ceremony and activity. Check your email regularly for periodic news updates on these events.

• Rocky Mountain National Park - A great place to hike, mountain bike, raft, rock climb, see wildlife, shop have a picnic, or cross-country ski.

• Halloween - Many countries do not celebrate Halloween with as much enthusiasm as we in the United States do.  Have your student to your home to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, or invite him or her over to carve pumpkins.

• Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays - Although many students make plans of their own, not all students have somewhere to go over break.  These are special times to share with your students and to participate in the true spirit of the holidays.

• Sporting Events - Sports played by local teams are a great way to introduce international students to American culture.

• Family Activities - International students enjoy being included in family activities.  Remember to invite him or her to your child's band recital, sporting events or class play.

How can I communicate effectively with my international student?

• Contact your student immediately upon receiving his/her name.  BE sure you student knows your full name, address and phone number.

• Be explicit when you extend invitations.  Students rarely respond to vague invitations such as "call us if you need us or want to see us."

• Try to see your students at least once a month.  However, their time, like ours is limited.  Most student study even on weekends, so don't be offended if they are unable to accept all your invitations.

• Familiarize yourself with the cultural background of your students.  Learn to pronounce his/her name correctly and a greeting in his/her language.

• Don't be surprised if your guest is late.  Many cultures don't feel the necessity to be on time.

• A quiet guest at the dinner table may not be an unhappy guest.  Conversing while eating is not the custom in all cultures.

• Ask your student about his/her home life and customs.  Be a good listener.

• Students may or may not enjoy a "good political discussion."  Be sensitive to their feelings.

3 Don'ts

1. Don't lend money or co-sign leases or notes.

2. Don't give legal or academic advice.  Please call International Student and Scholar Services at 303-492-8057 with questions regarding visas, accidents, legal matters, insurance, etc.

3. Don't proselytize religion or politics, although it is acceptable to answer questions on these topics or to take a student to a religious place or a political rally if they request to do so.

DD