International Friendship FAQs
Who are the International students and scholars?
Every fall Reed welcomes a large group of degree-seeking international students (who typically stay at Reed for four years), as well as several exchange students (who typically stay at Reed for a year), and eight language scholars (who stay at Reed for a year). Our students and scholars come from more than 30 countries from around the world. Some of them have the experience of living in countries/regions other than that of their origin and they are familiar with multiple cultures. For some, coming to Reed is their first visit to the U.S., while others may have lived in the U.S. previous to coming to Reed.
Why should I participate in International Friendship Program?
You will have the opportunity to interact with a student with an international background, and build a meaningful relationship throughout their time at Reed. You and your family will learn about your student or scholar's country, culture and language, and you can share Portland and American culture with them. Often students/scholars become integrated members of their local hosts, and it is not uncommon for them to continue their relationship after they graduate/leave Reed.
How often should we see our student or scholar?
Local hosts and students/scholars establish and define a relationship that works for both sides. Many get together at least once per month. We recommend at least once monthly in order to develop a relationship.
What do local hosts and students/scholars do together?
Some of the most common activities are:
- Dinner at local host’s house/off-campus.
- Holiday celebrations such as pumpkin carving for Halloween, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas activities and celebrations.
- Visiting attractions in the Portland area, such as attending a sports event or going to the theater together.
- International Student Services also organizes three on-campus events throughout the year to bring students and scholars and their local hosts together.
What is expected of International Friendship Program?
Local hosts communicate with students and scholars after match notification.
Local hosts typically pick up their student or scholar at the airport, bring them to campus, and help them to get settled.
Local hosts are encouraged to attend the International Student Services sponsored events that are scheduled during International Orientation and once per semester.
Spend time with their student or scholar in person at least once monthly.
What is NOT expected of hosts?
Local hosts are not expected to spend a lot of money on their students or scholars.Local hosts may offer to pay for the costs of activities or meals off campus, but this is not an expectation.
Local hosts are not expected to provide housing for their students or scholars, or their families. Some may offer to do this if a student or scholar arrives early or needs a place to stay when the residence halls are closed or they are about to travel, but it is not an expectation to do so.
Local hosts are not expected to provide frequent transportation and serve as a “ride service”. Many local hosts are happy to help out with transportation, but this is not the purpose of the program, but a friendly and helpful gesture.
How are local hosts and students/scholars matched?
Students and scholars and local hosts both complete matching preferences. We consider preferences expressed from both sides, and will match local hosts and students and scholars to the best of our ability. Some preferences we take into account include geographic origin, languages spoken, academic interests, and hobbies. We also take into account preferences regarding smokers/non-smokers, families with or without pets or children, and any other considerations that you share with us. We do our best to find meaningful connections in the matching process, and find that some of the best matches are those local hosts and students/scholars who approach their new relationship with an open mind and flexibility.
What if I have concerns or the relationship is not working out?
If students, scholars, or local hosts ever have concerns about the relationship or it is just not working out, don’t hesitate to talk with the ISS staff. On occasion, there is not a connection established, but most of the time, students and scholars share that the International friendship program was a highlight of their Reed experience.
FAQS for Students and Scholars
Who are the local hosts?
Local hosts range from large families with children, single parents, young couples, retirees and singles. All local hosts are local volunteers interested in cultural exchange, and are all willing to dedicate their time and energy in building a friendly relationship throughout your stay at Reed. Many local hosts are Reed staff, faculty, or alumni, and others are families that live in the neighborhood around Reed or the wider Portland area.Local hosts have knowledge of the Portland area and are excited to share the city with you.
Why should I apply to International Friendship Program?
A local host can serve as a really valuable connection point, friend, and resource for you in your first year and often throughout your time at Reed. Your local host can help you with your transition into life in the U.S. by introducing you to a new city and culture. Students and scholars often find that spending time with their local hosts off-campus is a great way to take a break from academic life at Reed, explore Portland, and have a home away from home. It can be a huge help to have a local friend to help you navigate basic everyday questions and some of the challenges you may face in your transition.
Having a local host also provides a great opportunity for cultural exchange. Your local host will be interested in learning about your culture and background and it is a great way to share more about your life in your home country.
Students and scholars often share that having a local host is a highlight of their experience at Reed, and often local hosts and students/scholars continue their relationship after they have graduated/left Reed.
What will my local host and I do together?
Local hosts and students establish and define a relationship that works for both sides. Many get together at least once per month. How individual local host and students/scholars spend their time varies, but some of the most common activities are:
- Dinner at local host’s house/off-campus.
- Holiday celebrations such as pumpkin carving for Halloween, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas activities and celebrations.
- Visiting attractions in the Portland area, such as attending a sports event or going to the theater together.
- In addition, International Student Services organizes three on-campus events throughout the year to bring students and scholars and their local hosts together.
What is expected of local hosts?
Local hosts communicate with students and scholars after match notification.
Local hosts typically pick up their student or scholar at the airport, bring them to campus, and help them to get settled.
Local hosts are encouraged to attend the International Student Services sponsored events that are scheduled during International Orientation and once per semester.
Spend time with their student or scholar in person at least once monthly.
What is NOT expected of local hosts?
Local hosts are not expected to spend a lot of money on their students or scholars. Local hosts may offer to pay for the costs of activities or meals off campus, but this is not an expectation.
Local hosts are not expected to provide housing for their students or scholars, or their families. Some may offer to do this if a student or scholar arrives early or needs a place to stay when the residence halls or closed or they are about to travel, but it is not an expectation to do so.
Local hosts are not expected to provide frequent transportation and serve as a “ride service.” Many local hosts are happy to help out with transportation, but this is not the purpose of the program, but a friendly and helpful gesture.
What is expected of students and scholars?
Students and scholars are expected to communicate with their local hosts. This includes returning phone calls, text messages, and emails.
Students and scholars should be mindful that local hosts are invested in the program and have dedicated time and energy to getting to know their student or scholar.
Students and scholars should keep in mind that this is a volunteer position and International Student Services does not reimburse local hosts for expenses. Any expenses are fully on the local hosts and it is appropriate for students and scholars to offer to pay and encouraged to always thank local hosts for their generosity!
Students and scholars should not only contact their local hosts when they "need" something. Local hosts want to develop a relationship with students and scholars, not simply hear from them when they need a ride to the airport.
This is about creating a relationship! Students and scholars should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to build a friendship with a local host and explore Portland with those who know the community.
How do I sign up for International Friendship Program?
Once you are accepted and enrolled at Reed, you will receive an orientation package in mid-May. The package will give you instructions on how to access an online system called IRIS, where you can fill out forms that are required before you come to Reed. You will be able to sign up for International Friendship Program on the system. The sign up form must be completed by June 15th.
How are local hosts and students/scholars matched?
Students/scholars and local hosts both complete matching preferences. We consider preferences expressed from both sides, and will match local hosts and students and scholars to the best of our ability. Some preferences we take into account include geographic origin, languages spoken, academic interests, and hobbies. We also take into account preferences regarding smokers/non-smokers, families with or without pets or children, and any other considerations that you share with us. We do our best to find meaningful connections in the matching process, and find that some of the best matches are those local hosts and students/scholars who approach their new relationship with an open mind and flexibility.
What if I have concerns or the relationship is not working out?
If students, scholars, or local hosts ever have concerns about the relationship or it is just not working out, don’t hesitate to talk with the ISS staff. On occasion, there is not a connection established, but most of the time, students and scholars share that the International friendship program was a highlight of their Reed experience.