The International Friendship Program (IFP) is a cross-cultural exchange program that connects members of the St. Olaf, Northfield, and local communities with international students. The program offers participants the opportunity to build friendships across cultures, across generations, and across communities.
St. Olaf College enrolls over 300 international students from more than 90 nations. The option to participate in the International Friendship Program is extended to new first-year international students, as well as international students who are returning to campus for their second year.
The program gives international students an opportunity to meet people in the U.S., to form a connection with the local community, and to introduce their country and culture to people who live in Minnesota. Community members befriend students during their transition to our campus, our local community, and our country. Both hosts and students learn about different cultures and perspectives through mutual discussion and exchange. Your life and the lives of our students are enriched as a result of your participation.
We welcome families and individuals who range in lifestyle and stage of life. The group of community members is very diverse, ranging from recent college graduates, families with young children or teenage children, to retired individuals and couples. The one thing they have in common is an interest in the world and in learning about other cultures, and a willingness to share a bit of their own lives with someone from another part of the world. The International Friendship Program brings students together with local families/friends, however there is no housing or financial obligation expected of the community partners.
We ask community members to commitment to two students for one academic year, as students often feel more comfortable in pairs. The time commitment does not need to be great, and the reward can be tremendous! The amount of time spent together varies, depending on the schedules of all participants, however most get together about once a month.
Meeting for coffee, celebrating holidays, exploring Minnesota, and partaking in special events on-campus are just some of the activities you can enjoy. There are several group activities planned throughout the year, including our welcome reception in September, a winter activity in January, an international potluck in April, and various optional cultural activities throughout the year.
Forms are open for 2023-24 participants. Follow the links below. Thank you!
FAQs:
How It Works
What the Taylor Center Expects From Community Members
What Community Members Can Expect from the Taylor Center
What Community Member and Students Should Expect from Each Other
For more information or to apply to this program, click the appropriate box below.