• The Community Friends Program at Arkansas State University connects international students with volunteers from the University or Jonesboro.  The purpose of this program is to provide an authentic communication setting where both volunteers and international students can broaden their multicultural perspectives, learn about other cultures, and meet new friends from different parts of the world.  It is also important that this program does not contain any legal or financial liability on either side. Community friends will never be asked to commit any funds or to get involved in any legal issues.
  
  

• ASU students, staff, faculty, and volunteers from the Jonesboro community can participate as community friends.  Participants should be enthusiastic individuals who are motivated to meet students from other countries and who commit to attend a limited number of scheduled meetings.
  
  

• Community Friends Program participants meet with international students at times convenient to all parties. Activities can include anything that will encourage the international students to become involved in the community and adjust to their new way of life and allow the Community Friends to learn more about their students’ culture and other cultures around the world.

Sample Activities:
Some of the types of activities recommended for inclusion in the Community Friends Program include the following: attending a picnic or family reunion; participating in an athletic contest; attending a play or musical performance; visiting an amusement park, zoo, aquarium, or botanical garden.

• The Community Friends Program provides an excellent environment for mutual sharing and cross-cultural communication.  Volunteers gain valuable information about other cultures and people, build new friendships, and acquire a sense of satisfaction from helping others. It is particularly valuable when there are children in the home of the host family, as they will benefit greatly by their exposure to students from different countries, backgrounds, and experiences.
  
  

• The international student partners who sign up are currently studying at Arkansas State University.  Many are newcomers to this country, forming their first impressions of the United States and its people, and using English on a daily basis for the first time.  Others, who have been here longer, want the opportunity to use their English skills more often, in relaxed, non-academic situations.