ISI FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PROGRAM

Being Welcomed into an American Home
ISI offers international students an opportunity to get to know local individuals or families and share some of life's experiences together - outside the classroom.
Through our Friendship Family program, we match two students with a local individual or family who will encourage you as a student and get together with you periodically throughout the year. Your Friendship Family may also encourage you to bring a friend as you share in family-centric activities. This is definitely a cross-cultural opportunity for everyone!
Share meals in an American home – our food & your food – and experience the American culture from a distinctly Monterey perspective. Learn about our culture as you share your own with us. Laugh together at the differences. Learn some of our idioms, expressions, and habits, and share yours with us. Experience family traditions and holidays together. Go shopping together and explore favorite ways to get the best prices.
In general, have fun as you escape all that reminds you of your academic pressures… for just a few hours. You may also get to enjoy our most beautiful local nature spots, places so close yet unseen, places you may not even know exist. Take hikes and have picnics… American family style.
Having a Friendship Family does not mean a huge time commitment. We understand you are (will be) extremely busy. However, we also hope your education in America will include more than just academics. Through your Friendship Family, you will be able to get a more accurate sense of what American life is like. Often, these American friendships develop into lifelong relationships.
If you are interested in this program -- even now as you plan your arrival in Monterey -- please tell us with this link and we will put you on the list to be matched. Perhaps your new Friendship Family will be able to be there to meet you as you arrive.
If you are not sure about joining this more personal in-family invitation – it doesn’t mean you live there, just friendship – that's OK. We will still look forward to meeting you and helping you in many ways.
ISI offers international students an opportunity to get to know local individuals or families and share some of life's experiences together - outside the classroom.
Through our Friendship Family program, we match two students with a local individual or family who will encourage you as a student and get together with you periodically throughout the year. Your Friendship Family may also encourage you to bring a friend as you share in family-centric activities. This is definitely a cross-cultural opportunity for everyone!
Share meals in an American home – our food & your food – and experience the American culture from a distinctly Monterey perspective. Learn about our culture as you share your own with us. Laugh together at the differences. Learn some of our idioms, expressions, and habits, and share yours with us. Experience family traditions and holidays together. Go shopping together and explore favorite ways to get the best prices.
In general, have fun as you escape all that reminds you of your academic pressures… for just a few hours. You may also get to enjoy our most beautiful local nature spots, places so close yet unseen, places you may not even know exist. Take hikes and have picnics… American family style.
Having a Friendship Family does not mean a huge time commitment. We understand you are (will be) extremely busy. However, we also hope your education in America will include more than just academics. Through your Friendship Family, you will be able to get a more accurate sense of what American life is like. Often, these American friendships develop into lifelong relationships.
If you are interested in this program -- even now as you plan your arrival in Monterey -- please tell us with this link and we will put you on the list to be matched. Perhaps your new Friendship Family will be able to be there to meet you as you arrive.
If you are not sure about joining this more personal in-family invitation – it doesn’t mean you live there, just friendship – that's OK. We will still look forward to meeting you and helping you in many ways.