UFIC Friendship Families Thanksgiving
November 27
The UF International Center welcomes your participation in Friendship Families, a student engagement program which aims to combat isolation during holidays as well as bringing cultures together and celebrate what connects us. International students are paired with interested Gainesville neighbors, including UF faculty and staff, during significant US cultural events and holidays.
Families are expected to share their traditions with international students so students can experience how our community celebrates these important days. Students are also expected to share their own culture with new friends while participating in experiences that widen their perspectives.
In addition to holidays, you might also consider events such as a picnic at a local park or backyard cookout, a nature walk or browsing a local festival, attending a performance or athletic event, even a trip to Lake Wauburg or the beach. We encourage both students and their friendship families to check in with each other monthly and try to connect in-person every 4-6 weeks.
There are two steps in the sign up process:
Step 1: Create an account on the Gators for Good platform. Select “Sign up with GatorLink” if you have an @ufl.edu email OR “click for more options” if not.
Step 2: Submit your application to the UFIC Friendship Families group.
You will be matched once your application to the group is accepted.
Thanksgiving is coming soon, so please sign up right away if you would be willing to host an international student for this canonically American holiday! For more information, please reach out to Victoria Dolce, PhD at vdolce@ufic.ufl.edu.
