Friendship Family
Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this program all about?
How do I become a part of this program?
Can the student do things like baby-sit, and clean the house for me?
Can I choose the kind of student or family I want?
What if the student or family and I do not get along?
Do I have to pay to be a part of this program?
How long is the Friendship Family connection expected to last?
Can I maintain relations with my student or family after the program?
Can I choose to remain with the same family or student for another year?
What is expected from both the parents and the students?
Go back to Friendship Family Program home page
What is this program all about?
The program is all about connecting international students at Concordia with families in the
Fargo-Moorhead area so that they can each learn from each other, increase intercultural
understanding and communication, and experience something new.
How do I become a part of this program?
You can become a part of the program by simply filling out the online application that is
specifically made for you as a student or as a family. The applications are used to match
students with families according to preferences and interests.
No. The purpose of this program is not to immerse the student in a family, but simply to
develop a friendship with a family. This is not a home-stay or hosting program.
Can the student do things like baby-sit, and clean the house for me?
No. There are numerous immigration regulations for international students because they hold
student visas. United States Immigration policies prohibit international students from working
off campus unless they apply for such authorization. As such, international students may not
take jobs such as babysitting, housework, lawn work or other paid labor in your home. The
penalties for working off campus can be severe, so please do not ask students to work for you.
Can I choose the kind of student or family I want?
To an extent. The application asks for your preferences and interests. These will be used to
make matches between international students and families. Of course, it may not be possible
to match your preferences and interests exactly.
What if the student or family and I do not get along?
Hopefully that will not be the case, but support is available to both the international student
and to the family should problems arise. The situation will be carefully examined and the
program coordinator will try to help resolve whatever issues exist. If the situation
can not be resolved, reassignments can be made.
Do I have to pay to be a part of this program?
No, participation in the Friendship Family program is free to both international students and
families.
How long is the Friendship Family connection expected to last?
The Friendship Family connection between a given international student and family is expected
to last for one academic year (September-May.) Of course, students and families are encouraged
to continue their connection and friendship beyond the academic year. When the academic year
is over, international students and families are welcome to apply again for another
connection.
Can I maintain relations with my student or family after the program?
Yes! We highly encourage the friendships to continue developing. These strong intercultural
connections are one goal of this program!
Can I choose to remain with the same family or student for another year?
No. We hope that you will continue your friendship for a long time, but the connection through
the Friendship Family program is meant to last one academic year. It is the hope that students
and families will want to participate another year with a different
connection. This will further increase intercultural understanding and communication and give
the opportunity for yet another great friendship.
What is expected from both the parents and the students?
Both parents and students are expected to be mindful and respectful of each other's culture,
values, and beliefs. You both are also expected to teach each other new things and learn from
each other.