ISI Friendship Partner Program

ISI offers international students an opportunity to get to know local individuals or families and share some of life's experiences together - outside of the classroom.

Through our Friendship Partner program, we match one or two students with a local individual or family who will encourage you as a student, and get together with you periodically throughout the year.  Often you will also be encouraged to bring a friend, and other times you will be joined by others as you share in group activities.  This is definitely a cross-cultural opportunity for all!

Share meals in an American home, and experience the American culture from a distinctly Monterey perspective.  Enjoy our local outdoors and visit some of our beautiful recreational areas, places you may not have access to or even know exist.  Take hikes and have picnics—American family style.  Learn about our culture as you share your own with us.  Laugh together at the differences as you learn some of our idioms, expressions, and habits.  Experience family traditions and holidays together—yours and ours.  Go shopping together and explore favorite ways to get the best prices.  In general, have fun as you escape all that reminds you of school J!

Your Friendship Partner can also answer many questions you might have about American life and values, politics, or religious beliefs.  Having a Friendship Partner does not mean a huge time commitment; we all understand you are very busy.  However, through your Friendship Partner, you will be able to get a more accurate sense of what American life is like and, often, develop lifelong friendships in the process.

If you are interested in this program, please Talk To Us through this link.