The international student population at Arkansas State University culturally enriches the Jonesboro community. The university’s global community is a mosaic of traditions, viewpoints, artistic expressions, and unique individuals. ASU is pleased to offer Cultural Community Programs, a way in which members of the Jonesboro community can share cultures with ASU’s international community.

Consistent with its overall educational mission, Arkansas State University provides access to educational opportunities for international students in a caring and supportive environment. These international students bring with them different cultures and viewpoints that enrich the entire educational environment at the university and experiences offered to all of its students. One exciting dimension of the actions taken by the university to foster the international program and its attendant benefits are these Cultural Community Programs described below.

In order for these Cultural Community Programs to have optimal benefits, host families with an interest in fostering positive cross-cultural exchanges are needed. If you have not previously served as a host family, it may be beneficial to begin with the short duration Community Friends Program so as to become more comfortable with the process and experience before making a commitment to either the Break and Weekend Home Stay Program or the Semester Home Stay Program. It is hoped that you will give serious consideration to becoming a host for an international student (within the structure of the program) and will decide favorably in this regard. As you will see, these are three levels of participation that range from as short as a day to a year or more.

Thank you so very much!

Tugrul Polat
Director, International Programs