Written by Colin McEvoy | September 13, 2024 | SHARE
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, Lehigh's Family Friendship Program is back, offering international students a unique opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and local culture
The Global Lehigh Family Friendship Program (FFP), which seeks to create lasting connections by pairing new international students with caring Lehigh faculty and staff, has relaunched this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
About two dozen international students from 13 different countries are participating in this year’s program, which is organized by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Seventeen of those students are visiting the United States for the first time, and 13 have never left their home countries before this trip.
“I was feeling kind of homesick, and just wanted someone to talk to,” Ojaswi Joshi of Nepal, who is pursuing a M.S. in Data Science, said during an FPP kickoff event on Sep. 11. “It’s good to have someone I can speak with and ask questions, because there are so many things I’m navigating through right now.”
Participating international students are paired with program hosts, which include Lehigh faculty and staff members from various campus offices. They are encouraged to develop meaningful relationships, engage in cultural exchange activities, and support one another throughout the academic year.
The program provides students the chance to immerse themselves in U.S. culture and the Lehigh Valley by joining a welcoming local family, and provides the program hosts the opportunity to expand global perspectives while forming deep bonds with Lehigh’s new international students, according to Linnan Tartaglia, International Student Advisor.
Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh, said the program emphasizes the importance of fostering community and connections for international students. FFP seeks to provide them with a comprehensive university experience, including cultural immersion.
“Many years ago, I heard an international student say that during their entire time at Lehigh, they had never been inside an American home. To me, that felt wrong,” Matherly said. “To miss out on that really felt like a part of the cultural experience was missing, and this program is a great opportunity to fill that gap.”
Sixteen graduate students and six first-year undergraduate students are participating in the program this year, coming from such countries as Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Russia, Rwanda, Taiwan, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.
“If you start a new life in a new country, these cultural events are very important,” said Aysenur Gilik of Turkey, who is seeking a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. “It’s a good opportunity to meet diverse people, learn about the new culture, and adapt into a new life, rather than just staying home and isolating yourself.”
Bill Whitney, Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential Learning Programs, is Gilik’s program host this year. It marks his second time participating as a host for FFP.
“It’s very exciting to be connected with somebody like Aysenur who has had some interesting life experiences, but perhaps not experiences in the United States or at Lehigh University before,” Whitney said.
OISS encourages hosts to engage with their assigned students at least once a month throughout the academic year, including sharing traditions, holidays, events, and casual meals. Likewise, international students are encouraged to reciprocate by sharing their own cultures and participating in various cultural events with their family friendship hosts whenever possible.
Matherly expressed gratitude to OISS, Tartaglia, and Amanda Connolly, Director of International Students and Scholars, for reviving the program after the pandemic forced its temporary closure. Matherly said she views it as a key component of Lehigh's welcoming environment, fostering a sense of belonging for international students.
“Hopefully this will have impacts and relationships that extend beyond the time that you're just here at Lehigh,” Matherly said during the kickoff event.
Recommended activities between hosts and students include Lehigh University sports games, Zoellner Arts Center performances, hiking at regional parks, dining at home or local restaurants, celebrate holidays together, exploring historic Lehigh Valley sites, attending Lehigh’s International Bazaar, or seasonal activities like markets, farms, or festivals.