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What to expect

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UW-Eau Claire's host friend program is an excellent opportunity to be involved with the university atmosphere, learn about a new culture, and build life-long international friendships!

As a Host Friend, you can expect to...

  • Connect with an International Student and welcome them to our community
  • Assist international students through their periods of transition and cultural adjustment to daily life in America
  • Introduce students to Eau Claire and American culture - show students where the locals like to go and what they do for fun
  • Give support during their student's first semester at UW-Eau Claire
  • Ask questions and learn about your student's culture

Our Expectations of Host Friends

  • Provide support to an international student during their first semester
  • Connect in-person with your student at least once a month
  • Introduce your student to the cultures and customs of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and the U.S.
  • Learn about the culture and customs of your student and their home!
  • Contact the Host Friend Program team with any concerns, if your student is not responsive, or you no longer wish to be involved in the program

Host Friends are NOT responsible for providing the following support to students

  • Financial
  • Housing (during the semester or school breaks)
  • Healthcare
    • Students have access to free health and counseling services on campus
    • All students are covered through insurance that is accepted at the Mayo and Marshfield systems
  • Immigration or Academic advising

We have on-campus support services for students. Please contact the Host Friend Program team if any issue or question comes up that you are not comfortable answering or don’t know the answers.

Hospitality Tips for Host Friends

We understand the initial connection and communications with students in their first semester on campus can be intimidating! Here are some tips to create a welcoming environment.

  • Connect with your student through email or social media before they arrive
  • Learn how to pronounce your student’s given name and practice saying it with them
  • Speak distinctly but not loudly; it is more helpful to pause between sentences than to speak each word slowly
  • Avoid using slang terms or idioms
  • Ask your student to repeat anything you do not understand and encourage them to do the same
  • Treat students as part of your home: share photographs, hobbies, and traditions
  • Have students share their home life, customs, hobbies, and holiday traditions with you – even a small action you take to include those traditions in your time with a student can have a large impact
  • Ask about dietary restrictions or needs
  • Understand there will be cultural differences; many cultures have different values on eye contact, punctuality/timeliness, personal space, and communication styles. Please contact us if you have any questions about interactions you felt were outside of cultural differences
  • If your student visits your home, give them a tour and explain how the house works (toilets, faucets, lights, showers, etc.)
  • Briefly explain any family or house; a written sheet of expectations can help with understanding and remembering

Activity Ideas

Invite your student to any activities you or your household enjoy! Students want to know what every day American life is like.

  • Cook a meal together – one of your favorites or one from your student’s home
  • Show your favorite restaurants or ones that your student may enjoy
  • Play American board or card games
  • Celebrate holidays together! Both ours and your student’s
  • Winters are long and cold for many of our students; but show them how much fun sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities can be!
  • Visit the downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market, apple orchards, or other seasonal activities
  • Welcome students into your home – many times, students just enjoy a place outside of the university where they can relax and study
  • Have fun! The activities do not need to be elaborate

Interested in Becoming a Host Friend?

Fill out this form to apply!

Frequently Asked Questions
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