Social Events and Programs

OISS provides a wide variety of programming and social events to help students feel welcome in the St. Thomas community.

OISS Home

Programs

International Student with a local family

Friendship Family Program

Friendship Family is a program that matches international students with local Twin Cities families. Founded on the belief that we should learn from each other, the program provides cultural experiences for community members and helps international students experience true Minnesotan/U.S. culture in American families. 

Connect with a local family or friend for one academic year or semester. You and your friendship family will meet regularly, have intercultural experiences, engage in cultural learning opportunities, and attend various international events at St. Thomas. You will have a unique chance to learn about American life and traditions while also sharing your life and traditions with the family/friend.

Friendship Family Student Sign Up

Friendship Family Host Sign Up

Thanksgiving Program

This program matches international students with local families to provide opportunities to experience traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner.

Testimonials

Read about the success of these programs.

Rena, Teaching Assistant from Germany

“I loved having a friendship family because I could connect to people outside of the university. They became my family away from home. My favorite experience was going to an ice shanty art festival on frozen Lake Harriet with my friendship mom’s flamenco choir in a snowstorm! A true Minnesotan experience!"

Duyen, Student from Vietnam

“I really like my friendship family. They are awesome! I feel like being a family.”

Mariella, student from Peru

“My experience was awesome! The family I was matched with is amazing. I love all of them, but the mom and I created a very nice and special bond since we are both Peruvians…they also met my parents at my graduation ceremony. This program allowed me to meet wonderful people! I consider them my friends and we will for sure stay in contact.”

Natalia, student from Colombia

“I had a very nice experience with my Friendship Family. They are a very young couple who welcomed me and shared very special moments with me…They invited me to spend time with them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, to have dinner, we went to a museum, and shopping when I came here."