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Friendship with your American Host
There
is more to education than lectures, textbooks, and term
papers. Some of your most rewarding and informative
experiences while in the United States will occur outside
the classroom and library. The Boulder Friends of
International Students is a group of volunteers that have
organized a program which enables foreign students to meet
Americans, visit in their homes, and learn about their
communities. Students participate in many activities and
events with hosts. Some of the common activities
include: birthday celebrations, picnic, outings to
historical sites, sporting events, and national holiday
observance. These activities provide opportunities to
learn about the American way of life and make friends with
people in the community. Often the friendships which develop
between students and the Americans they meet last a lifetime
and bridge the distance between countries and cultures.
What is
expected of me as a student?
What activities can I do with my
host?
How can I communicate effectively
with my Boulder Friends?
3 Don'ts
Student Application
What is expected of me as a student?
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How often
do I meet with a friendship host? Most
students and hosts meet once or twice a month.
You can set a mutually convenient schedule with your host.
-
What is my financial obligation?
There is no fee to join. The Boulder Friends of
International Students is a non-profit
organization and none of its hosts are paid.
-
Would I live with a host? No. However, hosts can
often provide extra support and information about life
in Boulder.
-
I'd like to give it a try,
but I'm very busy with school...
Meeting just once or twice a month is ideal for
busy students. Just be sure to plan events
as fun breaks from studying, and not right
before a big exam you'll be cramming for.
Tips
and Ideas
What activities are fun to do with a
host?
-
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.
-
Hosts love
it when students invite them to events on
campus that are related to students'
cultures or academic pursuits.
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Prepare a traditional
meal to share with your host. You
can also share pictures of your family
and home.
-
If you're aware of an
event in the community that you're
interested in, invite your host along
and offer to pay your share.
-
Your Boulder friend will enjoy small
gifts from your country.
Postcards, calendars, pictures, or small
crafts are appropriate. However,
you don't have to bring a gift to your
Boulder friend if you don't have one.
How can I communicate effectively with my
Boulder friends?
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When you get together
with your hosts be sure to let them know
how interested you are in American
culture; they'll feel appreciated. You
may also want to keep a record of things
that you have questions about. This way
you’ll have some conversation topics
ready before you meet.
-
If your
Boulder friend does something that
puzzles you or makes you uncomfortable,
do not be afraid to ask about it and to
explain your situation.
-
Be
courteous, but be open and candid about
discussing cultural differences,
religious practices, or other sensitive
subjects. Try to build a relationship of
trust and mutual respect as well as
friendship with your Boulder friend.
-
Hosts
appreciate it when students initiate
contact with them. Give them a call
when you’d like to get together or if
you haven’t talked recently.
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If your host goes out of
their way for you or does something
nice, it is considered polite to send a
thank you note.
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Be on time, but not early.
Americans are usually prompt.
-
It’s very important that
you respond promptly when your hosts
writes you an email or calls. In the
United States not responding is not
recognized as a “no”, in contrast to
some other cultures. In fact, far from
being perceived as tactful, this is
considered impolite. If you do not wish
to or cannot attend an event, be sure to
send a quick response thanking your host
for the offer. Let them know you cannot
make it and that you look forward to the
next time you meet.
-
If you change your address or phone
number, let you Boulder friend know.
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Many Americans do not smoke and do not
like others smoking in their homes or
cars. Smokers usually excuse
themselves to have a cigarette outside.
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Your host will be excited
to hear from you after you return home,
so be sure to continue to correspond!
3
Don'ts
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Don't expect your host to pay your share.
If your Boulder friend takes you to an
event that requires an admission fee or some
expense, offer to pay you own way.
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Don't ask your host to pick you up if you
live far away from them. Boulder
has a great bus system that is free with your
Buff OneCard.
http://www.rtd-denver.com
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Don't seek
legal or academic advice from your host. Please call
International Student and Scholar Services at
303-492-8057 with questions regarding visas,
accidents, legal matters, insurance, etc.
Please contact your academic advisor for
academic questions.
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