The U of A iFriend Program is seeking volunteers from the campus and Northwest Arkansas community who are interested in being paired with international students and scholars.

The program aims to connect local individuals or families with international students as a platform to build friendships and belonging. iFriend is a visitation and friendship program, not a homestay program, and is a great opportunity to visit with an international student or scholar once or twice a month and learn about a new culture.

iFriend Program is an umbrella program that features two opportunities for engagement: Friendship Families and Campus Cousins. The Friendship Families program matches international students with individuals or families in the local community. Hosts meet with their international students once a month or more to share traditions, holidays and everyday life. The Campus Cousins program matches international students with domestic students at the U of A and allows the students to develop a peer friendship by participating in campus life events and sharing their culture.

Those interested in joining the iFriend Program can submit a host application and attend a host orientation. Orientations will be held in the ISS classroom located in Holcombe Hall at the following dates and times: 

Friendship Family orientations: 

• Monday, Aug. 26, from 6:30-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug, 28, from 12:30-2 p.m.

Campus Cousin orientations: 

• Thursday, Aug. 22, from 12:45-1:45 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 26, from 5-6 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 30, from 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Those interested in participating in the program may also contact Clark Eckels, iFriend coordinator, at ifriend@uark.edu.