News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Tech’s International Friends Program hosting a banquet to celebrate students and their host families this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8p.m.
Chair Pamela Ethridge said that the banquet will feature food and music from all over the world. She said the program is a chance for students to connect with one another and feel support while attending an American university.
“These students are traveling from all around the world,” Ethridge said. “And it’s just one more way to support them in their process of reaching their dreams and their goals of an educational degree.”
Ethridge said that the International Friends Program utilizes a non-traditional host family concept. She said that means students won’t necessarily live with their families but will participate in American activities such as Thanksgiving or birthdays in the host family.
Ethridge said that the program began in 1969, when the university began taking international students. As of now, they currently have about 75 students in the program, which is lower than usual due to COVID. She said that local families interested in joining the program can apply online.
“You don’t have to be a strong social personality to participate in the program,” Ethridge said. “We try to match up the students with host families based on shared interests. The experience about sharing, caring, and giving, and making those connections that can last a lifetime.”
Ethridge said that those interested in becoming a host family can apply here.
