The International Friendship Program helps Greater Lansing area residents get to know and establish mutually rewarding relationships with MSU international students. It provides a chance for the international student to get to know an American individual or family and feel welcome in the community. At the same time, community volunteers have a unique opportunity to travel at home and learn about another country, culture and language.

About IFP

IFP is not a home stay program. Typically, the American friend/family meets with their student about once a month by inviting them to their home for dinner or to a fun activity or event. IFP participants often enjoy other activities like going shopping; celebrating holidays; attending a concert, play, or sports event; sightseeing; picnics; and staying in touch through email or by phone.

Many students find the International Friendship Program the only way to get away from the academic environment and be invited into an American home. This program requests only a one-year commitment on the part of the student and the American volunteer friends who can be married with children or without, single, working or retired.

American friends can't help with financial, immigration, academic, employment, health, or significant adjustment issues. If you need assistance with these concerns, contact the Office for International Students and Scholars.

To Become an IFP Volunteer Friend

If you're interested in becoming an International Friendship person or family, please contact the CVIP office by email at cvipmsu(at)gmail.com to request an IFP Volunteer Application. Volunteer friends must be able to respect religious, political, and cultural differences, stay in contact with students at least once per month, and adhere to the CVIP Code of Ethics.
   

To Participate in IFP as an International Student or Scholar

Spending time with an American participant in IFP gives international students an opportunity to learn about American culture and the community outside of the MSU campus. If you're interested in spending time with an American friend while you are here at MSU, please contact the CVIP office by email at cvipmsu(at)gmail.com to request an IFP Student Application. 

A member of the IFP committee will contact students after their application is received, generally within 2-3 weeks.