If you’re interested in exploring a different culture and making a new international friend, come join Middlebury College’s Friends of International Students (FIS) host program! International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is now recruiting hosts for our program this fall.

Established in September 2001, the FIS host program (a friendship program) has successfully matched over 850 students with local hosts. Our population of international students includes some U.S. students who have lived abroad as well as international exchange students.

Don’t worry, your international student won’t live with you! You’ll have the opportunity to host them on visits to your home or trips around the local area or join them on campus for events.  This is a great chance to bond over shared interests, learn a new language, or even cook together. The possibilities are endless!

Wondering how to get involved? ISSS will hold a series of information sessions about the program on Zoom throughout the spring. Every potential new host family is expected to attend an information session so we can meet you and share important details about the program. Experienced hosts are also welcome to join us as your stories and insights are vital to friends who are new to FIS and trying to decide if they would be a good fit for the program.

Here are the dates of our upcoming lunchtime sessions:

  • Monday, May 6, 12:15-1 pm
  • Monday, May 13, 12:15-1 pm
  • Monday, May 20, 12:15-1 pm
  • Monday, June 3, 12:15-1 pm

Kindly register to attend a session via email at isss@middlebury.edu (subject line: FIS Host Program) or by phone at 802.443.5858. Once you have registered, we will send you the Zoom link. Please share our email with family and friends who may be interested so they can register for a session. We appreciate you spreading the word in our community!

Learn more about the FIS Host Program at our website: https://www.middlebury.edu/international-student-and-scholar-services/students/friends-international-students-program.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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