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INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP

This program exists to befriend and assist international students and their families during their transition in America. As a regional university, the University Of North Alabama (UNA) is fortunate to host thousands of international students from over 80 countries. Here at UNA, The Center for International Programs is dedicated in increasing international awareness and understanding through sharing of different and similar cultural experiences. These experiences will encourage international students of all nationalities to embrace in challenges and to discover new opportunities that will help them dream and achieve more while in America. Interacting with American families and friends is an excellent way to learn to speak and improve your English skills. However, international student may want to know more about the American family and its culture. Each year families and friends in the Shoals area will have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with international students of UNA. This program is designed to:

  • Provide the international student with a home away from home.
  • Foster natural and meaningful relationships.
  • Cultivate an awareness of similarities/differences in practices.

This is an exciting opportunity offered by the University of North Alabama to the Shoals community. The University welcomes host families/friends to engage and enrich themselves in the celebration of nations coming together developing meaningful relationships.


WHO CAN HOST?

  • Working Parents
  • Single Parents
  • Couples without children
  • Adoptive Parents
  • Empty-Nesters

LENDING HELPING HANDS

Unfamiliar with American culture, our host program is intended to help students of all nationalities to focus on his/her academic program. This program shows students how to adjust to the Shoals community, how share our culture, and how to strengthen his/her cultural immersion. In this program the host family will provide firsthand knowledge of how to:

  • Foster positive cross-cultural exchanges
  • Provide lifelong educational experiences
  • Adjust to the American lifestyle, by sharing and learning together

BECOMING A HOST FAMILY/FRIEND

Becoming a host family to an international student offers unparalleled enrichment—the kind of cultural, emotional, and intellectual wealth that no amount of money could ever provide. Host families are required to provide room and board and three meals a day, a bed, and a private place where the student can study. As a host family/friend, you’re invited to include an international student in whatever activities you and your family are doing. Please complete application and submit to:

Center for International Programs (CIP)
UNA Box 5058
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL 35632

Please note that counselors from CIP will assign two students. Applications will be mailed. After completing these steps, please schedule a time to meet and a place to meet. Please contact your student once a month in via email, phone, or in person. For the importance and understanding of the international student, please confirm conversations by email.

Host Family Application

Host Family STUDENT Application