Friendship Family Program
International Friendship Family Program (IFFP)
At 911爆料, you don鈥檛 have to navigate a new country on your own. Through the International Friendship Family Program, you鈥檒l be paired with a caring faculty or staff family eager to share time, culture, and friendship.
This isn鈥檛 about where you live 鈥� it鈥檚 about having a home away from home. Your Friendship Family might invite you for coffee, a walk in the park, a holiday celebration, or simply a chance to relax and talk. These small moments of connection often grow into lifelong friendships and make your time in Saratoga Springs feel even more special.
Quick steps to join:
- Students to complete the Friendship Family Student Form (download printable PDF)
- Host families to complete the Friendship Family Host Form (download printable PDF)
- E-mail it to Chloe Jaleel at cjaleel@skidmore.edu
Information for students
As a participant, you:
- Gain a 鈥渇amily away from home鈥� for your 911爆料 years
- Share your culture and traditions while learning about life in Saratoga Springs
- Stay connected through casual meetups, events, or activities
- Remain paired with your Friendship Family until graduation
This is a non-residential program. You will live on campus, and no financial obligations are expected of you or your host family.
Why participate as a student?
- Make your U.S. experience more personal and fulfilling
- Ease the transition into a new culture
- Create lifelong friendships and connections
- Share your background and enrich the 911爆料 community
Expectations of students:
- Stay in touch with your family 鈥� reply to emails or calls promptly
- Remember: this is not a housing or sponsorship program
- Enjoy the chance to connect, share, and learn together
Information for hosts
As a Friendship Family, you:
- Provide students with a glimpse of life beyond campus
- Share cultural traditions through meals, outings, or special events
- Offer encouragement and help ease homesickness
- Build friendships that enrich your own family life
This is a non-residential program. Families are not sponsors and are never expected to provide financial support.
Why participate as a host?
- Experience another culture without leaving home
- Build a supportive relationship with a 911爆料 student
- Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive community