About IFP
Mission Statement
International Education and Global Engagement (IEGE) has identified a need to strengthen the University’s support system for international students by focusing not only on academic support, but by providing opportunities for interpersonal growth, cultural exploration, and connection to our local community.
The Chico State International Friendship Program seeks to provide opportunities for international students to increase their knowledge of American culture, practice English language skills, and ease the effects of cultural adjustment by matching them with Chico State faculty/staff members for social or family activities.
Goals
- To integrate new international students into the Chico and campus communities
- To provide students with opportunities for English language development
- To support campus internationalization
- To facilitate cross-cultural friendships and global understanding
Purpose
The primary purpose of the IFP is to promote cross-cultural friendships. This is facilitated by pairing international students with University staff or faculty hosts for social or family activities for the duration of a semester. Hosts provide an informal introduction to life in the United States through conversations and activities. Students can help their hosts learn more about the cultures of their home countries.
Structure
IEGE will match students and faculty/staff members based on information collected on the program application form. Participants will be required to attend an orientation, at the beginning of the semester, to learn about expectations and program requirements.
Participants may choose to sign up for either a one-time shared activity or for a full semester. Of course, participants can sign up for a number of shared activities, but the difference between the semester-long commitment and a number of shared activities is the degree of consistent commitment to one person or group of people.
At the end of the semester, programs participants will be asked to provide feedback on their experience, which will be used for future program enhancement.
Information for Student Participants
- Powtoon Video(opens in new window)
- IFP Student Application(opens in new window) (google form)
- International Friendship Program Handbook (PDF)
Information for Staff/Faculty Mentors
- Powtoon Video(opens in new window)
- IFP Staff/Faculty Mentor Application(opens in new window) (google form)
- International Friendship Program Handbook (PDF)
Program Coordinators
Cindy McKay
International Student/Scholar Advisor
cjmckay@csuchico.edu
530-898-5408
Tasha Alexander
International Student/Scholar Advisor
tmalexander@csuchico.edu
530-898-5721