Programs for Interested Community Members
Click here for a new member application.
Short-Term Homestay Program
Volunteer host families and individuals in the Eugene-Springfield community open their homes to new international students at the beginning of fall (
September), winter (January) and spring (April) academic terms. Students usually arrive in Eugene 3-4 days prior to the International Student Orientation, and need a place to stay before the residence halls open or while they look for off-campus housing. During this time you can help the student become familiar with the community and help make their transition to this new environment as comfortable as possible. Then you are free to continue on as an international friend for the remainder of the year.
"Friendships often last long past graduation...The reason for our second honeymoon trip around the world was to visit five of our former students."
--Bob Stephensen, longtime member of FFIS
Community/International Friend Program
Community/International Friends and their students may decide the activities and amount of time spent together. It is meant to be a fun and flexible program.
Volunteers in the Community/International Friend Program offer hospitality and friendship to UO international students throughout the year. Students are assigned once members have applied to the program and attended an orientation. Community/International Friends often participate in, but are not limited to, the following activities with their student:
- help orient student when student first arrives
- invite student for dinner or holidays
- take student on day trips to the coast or mountains
- help student adjust to life in American society.
Conversation Friend Program
Volunteers meet for one hour a week with an international student, scholar, or spouse to practice conversational English. One hour a week can significantly help a student, scholar, or spouse improve everyday conversation skills, while you benefit by learning about another country's culture. Conversation Friends may spend their hour shopping, cooking, visiting the Saturday Market, or going to the library--the activities are as varied as the people who participate.
If you are interested in participating in any of the above programs, please click here for a new member application.
For more information about FFIS programs, please contact:
Becky Megerssa, FFIS Liaison & International Student Advisor
International Affairs
330 Oregon Hall
5209 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-5209
Phone: 541-346-3206
Email: ffis@uoregon.edu
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