FAmily Friendly Program
Image: Students outside on campus
Through the Hiram College Friendly Family Program, new international students are paired with local friends of Hiram College, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The purpose of this program is to provide all participants with an opportunity to share their culture, while also providing the new student an opportunity to build a local support network. Making connections with faculty, staff, and the local community is an important step toward student success!
The Friendly Family Program is a friendship program, not a live-in program. To learn more about this program, please read the information below.
Program Participants
Student participants are new Hiram College students, who have never lived in the U.S. and do not have family members living in the region. Friendly Families are local residents who share an interest in helping others and learning more about other cultures. Hosts may be single, couples, or families with children and may live within walking distance or within a short drive from campus.
Program Participant Pairing
Student and family participants each submit an application which includes information about interests, hobbies, international experiences, and program preferences. Based on the information submitted in the application, the International Student Advisor in the Office of International Student Services pairs students and host families together.
The First Meeting
Typically families and students meet for dinner during International Student Orientation. If a Friendly Family is unable to attend the dinner, the host student and family should contact each other directly to arrange a meeting, preferably on campus. The Hiram College Bistro or Dining Hall are perfect locations for the first meeting.
Frequency of Meetings
Friendly Family Program participants are asked to meet at least three times a semester, though most meet more often.  In addition, the Office for International Student Services may plan Potluck dinners once or twice a year. The potlucks are always a great time to catch up over home-cooked food!
Possible Activities
Friendly Families often invite their host student to events such as family meals, birthday celebrations, local festivals, concerts and lectures, special holidays, athletic events, and sightseeing trips. Host students are encouraged to teach their Friendly Family about their home country, customs, food, culture, etc. Some students even show their Family how to prepare a traditional meal from home!
Respecting Cultural, Religious, and Political Heritage
It is likely that there will be differences (and some similarities) in participants’ cultural, religious, and political customs and heritage. We ask all Friendly Family Program participants to respect these differences.
Dietary Restrictions
Students are encouraged to notify their Friendly Family in advance if they have any special dietary needs. It is particularly important to share this information when invited for a meal to the family’s home. Families may want to ask about dietary needs when extending an invitation as well.
Issues for which a Friendly Family is Not Responsible
Friendly Families are not responsible for their host student’s financial, immigration, academic, employment, health, or serious adjustment issues. If host students have issues in any of these areas, they should consult the International Student Advisor.
Friendly Families are also not responsible for student transportation needs. However, offers of transportation assistance for trips to shopping centers or to the airport during breaks are often appreciated.
Hiram College does have an airport shuttle service for a very low fee available during most breaks, and PARTA is useful for some of the other transportation needs.
When to Contact the Office of International Student Services
If you are having any problems with your assigned family/host student or just feel uncomfortable with the match, please contact the International Student Advisor.
