The Friendship Foundation for International Students (FFIS) is a non-profit organization that exists to bridge cultures and promote world peace and understanding through international friendship, personal diplomacy, and exchange of ideas.
My wife and I have have been a member for four years and have had many wonderful experiences with U of O students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. They have joined us for holiday dinners, gone to the mountains and ocean with us, and even camped with us. Many students and their friends call us their American "Mom" and "Dad."
FFIS has three primary programs that local residents can participate in:
1. Short-Term Homestay
Volunteers in the Eugene-Springfield community open their homes to new international students and scholars at the beginning of each academic term. Students and scholars usually arrive in Eugene 4 - 6 days prior to the International Student Orientation and need a place to stay before residence halls open or while they look for off-campus housing.
2. Community/International Friend
Volunteers in the Community/International Friend Program offer hospitality and friendship the U of O international students and scholars throughout the year. Community members and their international friend decide on the activities and amount of time spent together. It is meant to be an educational, fun and flexible program.
Conversation Friend
In this program volunteers meet for one hour a week with an international student or scholar to practice conversational English. This hour a week can significantly help a student or scholar improve their everyday conversation skills, while providing both individuals an opportunity to learn about another culture. Conversation friends may spend their time cooking, shopping, visiting the Saturday Market or going to the library -- the activities are as varied as the individuals who participate in them.
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