Information for Students Participating in the Host Friend Program
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Join the Program!
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The Host Friend Program is a wonderful opportunity for international students to connect with the Eau Claire community, practice English, make friends, and share your culture! To be matched with a Host Friend, you must submit an online student profile application by the deadline.
As a Student, you can expect to...
Connect with an individual, couple, or family from our community in your first week on campus
Learn about the culture, food, and activities of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and America
Participate in adventures beyond the University community
Show your culture and customs to your Host Friend
Our Expectations of Student Participation
We expect all students that sign up for the program to be be engaged with their Host Friend. This means we expect you to:
Connect with your Host Friend in-person once a month
Respond to your Host Friend’s communications within 1-2 days of receiving the communication
Notify Host Friends in advance if you cannot
Be kind and respectful towards Host Friends and their hospitality
Contact the Host Friend Program team at hostfriend@uwec.edu if you no longer want to be in the program
Host Friends are members of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, community. They may be single, married, domestic partners, retired, or families with children. They are people who sign up to connect with new international students to introduce you to our community and culture.
Students are matched with Host Friends by comparing both the student and Host Friend profiles. The profile attributes, characteristics, common interests, hobbies, likes, and dislikes are considered during the matching process.
The Host Friend Program team will start matching after the application deadline. This process can take several weeks. Once the match has been made, and email will be sent to both the student and Host Friend with each other’s contact information so introductions can be made.
The Center for International Education will host a Welcome Reception during orientation week of each semester. Host Friends and students will be invited to officially meet at that event.
If the Host Friend or Student cannot attend the Welcome Reception, the CIE will work with both groups to ensure they meet.
No, Host Friends are not expected to pick up students from the airport. Please contact our admissions office if you have questions about arriving to campus.
No, Host Friends are not required to house students after the initial homestay. Residence halls are open on campus during the holiday and extended breaks that are available to students.
The Host Friend Program is not required. We highly recommended this program as a great way to acclimate to American culture and customs and the Eau Claire community!
