The Center for International Education will start its Friendship Family Program again and is extending an invitation to international students and American families.

Leanne Moore, founder and coordinator of International Student Services, developed the program a year and a half ago. Nearly 15 students have been involved since then.

“Different language programs have host families which helps international students learn what it is like to be a part of an American family, and it helps them with their English,” Moore said.

The Friendship Family Program provides an opportunity for international students to interact informally with American families while learning about one another’s culture.

Families who volunteer are not financially responsible for the international student involved. The sole purpose of bringing individuals from different sides of the spectrum is to experience each other’s heritage.

Each month, a family will volunteer to take an international student to a typical, American social activity such as a birthday party, sporting event or a day out at the mall.

Karen Douglas, participant in the program, had the opportunity to interact with two students through the program.

“I have committed to two young ladies, so I am excited to see what good can result from this,” Douglas said.

Jiang Zhu, junior accounting major from China, is an international student who joined the Friendship Family Program last semester.

“The highlight of my experience for the family program is that I was able to experience real American culture, and we went to ride horses and that was awesome,” Zhu said.

The Center for International Education is encouraging not just international students to join the program, but individuals of the American culture as well.

If you would like to participate in the Friendship Family Program, visit Leanne Moore in the Center for International Education in the Hardin Administration Building, Room 124, call 325-674-2821 or email lmm10b@acu.edu.