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Learn a New Culture-Gain a Friend
This past August, nearly 500 international students arrived on campus to begin studying at Yale. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) invites Yale staff to connect with them through its Community Friends Program by becoming a host to one of these new students. Community Friends of Yale International Students seeks to promote intercultural understanding and global friendships by matching international students with residents of the New Haven area. This is not a home-stay program so staff do not house students. Instead, participants are encouraged to keep in touch with students via phone and e-mail, and to meet occasionally to share a meal, or take part in a holiday tradition. This past year, nearly 50 faculty and staff members participated in the program. Paul Genecin, director of University Health Services, and his wife Vicki Morrow, Psychiatry, were matched with international families from Taiwan and Germany. "This is a wonderful program," said Genecin, "and at least as valuable for the hosts as for the guests." Dana Ciccone, in the Office of Development, said of the graduate student from China who she hosts, "Every time we meet, I walk away with the feeling that I've learned something: something about Xiao's culture, my culture, or myself. In addition to the valuable experience of our cultural exchange, I have gained a friend." Some Yale staff have found the program so rewarding that they continue to participate year after year. Art and Mary Hunt, both of Information Technology Services, have hosted international undergraduates for the past four years and have shared numerous experiences with their students, such as family dinners, holidays, and outdoor activities. Says Art, "It has been a wonderful way to broaden our knowledge of another culture and strengthen our connection to the University." Single people, couples, and families of all sizes are welcome to serve as Community Friends hosts. Participants only need to fill out a short questionnaire. For more information, please contact Abigail Borchert at 432-2305 or abigail.borchert@yale.edu. |
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