UC's International Friendship Program: Creating Hometown Ties for Those Far From Home Date: Aug. 2, 2000 By: Cris Coey Media contact: Marianne Kunnen-Jones Phone: (513) 556-1826 Archive: Campus News As the new school year approaches, many international students will soon be attending classes at the University of Cincinnati. Since there are so many incoming foreign students, UC is planning its sixth annual University of Cincinnati International Friendship Program. The program, sponsored by UC's International Student Services Office, provides an opportunity for cross-cultural learning, as well as building ties between Americans and students from various countries. Area residents or members of the UC community who participate host the international students for occasional visits, perhaps a meal or holiday celebration, as well as sports or cultural events. The program allows international students a fuller experience of American life and culture, outside of the university setting. Marianne Kunnen-Jones, an editor for UC's newspaper "Currents," has hosted four students since the friendship program began several years ago. "I have enjoyed feeling like I am making a difference in a UC student's individual life and having an impact on their well-being in a new culture," Kunnen-Jones said of the program. She also participates in various activities with the students, such as touring Cincinnati and the river front, Eden Park, Spring Grove Cemetery, and even trips to Jungle Jim's (a grocery with a wide variety of international foods and ingredients). She even brings them home sometimes for family dinners and holiday gatherings, warning them ahead of time they could be in for a very noisy, large event. Some people forego participating because they fear a lack of time; however, there are no time constraints set for participants. It is strictly up to the student and the American counterpart to arrange outings as they wish. "It really depends on the person, but it's convenient because we only meet whenever time is available for everyone involved. There is no huge time commitment," Kunnen-Jones remarked. Like Kunnen-Jones, College Hill resident Sharlyn Stare, is also a long-time participant in the program. She has hosted five exchange students in all, and is currently host to three students from China. "We try to stay in contact with the students until they at least graduate, so we tend to become close," she explained. "One of the previous students we hosted from India even had us help him pick out his bride in an arranged marriage!" When not helping pick out wives, Stare explained her usual activities with the students: "We do everything from symphonies, concerts and art museums, to boating and barbecues." Sarah Dorr, program coordinator for UC's Career Development Center, participated in the program for the first time with an exchange student from Germany. "I enjoyed learning about her cultures and customs, as well as helping her adjust to life in the United States," she said. "While she was here we always made time to talk, go out to lunch, or get together for family gatherings during the holidays. We even took a trip to Chicago while she was here," Dorr added. Dorr had personal reasons for taking part in the program. "My father is from India, and I just wanted to help someone like people helped him when he came to the states." To participate in the International Friendship Program, call UC's International Student Services Office at 513-556-4278. Or contact the office via the Web at http://www.grad.uc.edu/isso. Anyone wishing to participate in this year's program is encouraged to apply by Aug. 31; however, applications after that date will be accepted on a rolling basis.