Friendship Program

Coordinated by CPC International Outreach, it helps connect native English speakers with internationals for cross-cultural friendship. It’s a unique opportunity to develop friendship with someone from another country. Internationals and Americans are matched to be friends during your stay in Madison.

Internationals

How does the program work?

It’s very flexible program that matches you up with an individual or American family for friendship purpose. Your friendship partner and you choose the frequency of contact that works for both of you. Contact can be made via phone, emails, personal visits or meeting for tea/​coffee/​meal. It is your responsibility to keep in contact to show your interest and let your partner(s) know when you are available and what you would like to experience. Your partner(s) may invite you to dinner, take you to a show or game, or ask you to join them in holiday celebrations or special events. You can also invite your partner(s) for a meal at your home if you want to.

What do I need to know?

It is your responsibility to keep in contact to show your interest and let your partner(s) know when you are available and what you would like to experience. Your partner(s) may invite you to dinner, take you to a show or game, or ask you to join them in holiday celebrations or special events. You can also invite your partner(s) for a meal at your home if you want to. When you go out with your friend do not expect him/​her/​them to pay for your expenses unless the offer to do so.

How often do we meet-up?

You can choose meet face-to-face weekly or monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Your friend and you choose the frequency that works best for the both of you.

Can my friendship partner help me with English?

Yes, they will be glad to help you with your English. They do not conduct classes to teach you English, but they help by having conversation with you on a regular basis. Having the opportunity to speak English helps you to become more confident with the language.

How do I sign up?

Sign up today by filling out the form below and we will contact you with more information.

American Volunteers

How does this program work?

It’s very flexible. You and/​or your family are matched with an international student or family. Contact is made via phone, email, personal visits or meeting for tea/​coffee/​meal. Keep in contact to show your interest and let your friend know you are available. We suggest that whenever possible you invite your friend for holidays and special events.

What do I need to know?

Your sole responsibility is to befriend your new friend and respect his/​her culture. You are not expected to provide any assistance with their financial, academic, immigration or medical needs. So if you go out to dinner, shopping or attend an event — your friend is responsible for their own expenses, unless you offer to pay. You can request a friend from a specific country or continent. We will try to accommodate. You will be assigned to one international friend or family at a time. If you realize you are not compatible, you can request a change.

How often do we meet-up?

You can choose meet face-to-face weekly or monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Your friend and you choose the frequency that works best for the both of you.

How do I sign up?

Sign up today by filling out the form below and we will contact you with more information.

Become a Friendship Partner