Global Lehigh

FFP hosts include Lehigh faculty members, administrators, and staff members, as well as retired faculty and staff living in the Lehigh Valley area. Hosts may be single individuals, couples, partners, or families with children of various ages. Any new international undergraduate and graduate students admitted to Lehigh University starting their studies in Fall 2024 will be able to apply to participate in the program. 

Each host will be paired with one or two international students (based on host survey selections and the number of students who apply), with the goal of fostering cross-cultural connections and friendships.

Our program participants will be matched based on shared interests and preferences provided in the application form, to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, we kindly ask the participants to be thorough and thoughtful as you complete your application, as this information will be applied to create suitable matches. Once matched, relevant information will be shared with both parties involved.

The program spans the academic year, running from September to May. This timeframe provides ample opportunity for participants to develop meaningful relationships, engage in cultural exchange activities, and support one another throughout the academic year. Regular meetings between FFP hosts and international friends are encouraged; we ask each pair to meet at least once per month.  We hope that FFP hosts and the student(s) they are matched with will continue to maintain their friendship even after the formal program is over!

The program aims to establish social connections between our new international students and hosts from the Lehigh community. There is no homestay involved, and participants are not expected to incur any financial obligations. Paired participants will decide when and where they want to meet once a month to get to know each other, explore local events or holidays, and share cultural differences.

After participants submit their sign-up form, the schedule of information/training sessions will be communicated to them, and match results will be sent by the end of the second week of the fall semester. We encourage paired participants to have open discussions regarding the best way to communicate with each other and ensure responsiveness within a reasonable timeframe.

There are no financial obligations for participating in this program. There are plenty of free or relatively inexpensive activities to participate in, though some activities may involve a fee. There is no expectation for any participant to pay for others' fees or other costs for activities they engage in together. If hosts and students agree to participate in an activity that requires an entrance or ticket fee, we strongly encourage them to discuss in advance who will cover the cost.

We want to remind participants that the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination applies to Lehigh faculty/staff members participating in this program, and the Code of Conduct and other university policies, including the Policy on Harassment and Non-Discrimination, apply to our students and their actions. 

If participants encounter any situations where they are unsure of what to do or require further information or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our office at intnl@lehigh.edu.

The program kicks off with a Welcome Event in September, providing an opportunity for all participants to meet each other. Additionally, here are some activities to consider:

• Attend a Lehigh Sports game (most tickets are free for students and faculty/staff!)
• Enjoy a performance at Zoellner Arts Center
• Share and learn each other's favorite recipes
• Explore local parks through hiking
• Share a home-cooked meal or dine at a local restaurant together
• Celebrate holidays together
• Share and learn each other's cultural traditions
• Engage in seasonal activities such as visiting location markets, farms, or festivals
• Participate in our Annual International Bazaar and other organized activities
• Explore historic tours and sites in the Lehigh Valley Area

We remind program participants that this is not a homestay program, and we advise them to avoid engaging in the following activities, which will be emphasized during our training sessions:

• Discussing financial matters
• Inquiries related to immigration/work opportunties
• Medical issues
• Academic challenges

We will provide resources to our host family friends to assist whem in directing students in need to appropriate support/resources.