The purpose of the Office of Global Engagement’s Friends of the World Host Family Program at Wilkes University is to facilitate friendship between international students and current students, alumni, staff, faculty, administrators, and friends of the Wilkes community, so that we can all deepen our connections to the Wilkes community and learn about each other’s experiences. The program matches an international student with a member of the Wilkes community and encourages periodic communication, interactions, and meetings. This program provides unique opportunities for international undergraduate and graduate students to connect with hosts in the Wilkes-Barre Community that will facilitate the students immersion into American culture. Students and hosts build relationships that best fit their needs, meeting at a mutually convenient time. Please note that this is not a homestay program. The Friends of the World Program will host an initial meet and greet event for participating students and families on Wednesday, November 8 5pm-7:30pm in the SUB first floor lounge, but what happens beyond this event is up to the pair. Examples of activities shared by hosts and students include attending sporting events, apple picking, pumpkin patches, or enjoying a home cooked dinner or a meal at a local restaurant. If you are interested in being matched with an international student please fill out this application: https://forms.gle/ZVJ45piX3VssmTnp9
International students who would like to apply to be matched with a friendship family can apply with this form: https://forms.gle/UyMq5MjEfAVmewag8
If you have any questions, please contact Olivia Caraballo (olivia.caraballo@wilkes.edu) or Lissette Dishmey (lissette.dishmey@wilkes.edu).