1. Rochester Global Connections Rochester Friends of International Students Friendship Volunteer 101

2. Training Overview Learn about Rochester Global Connections Benefits of being a Friendship Volunteer Application Process Volunteer Responsibilities and Expectations Activities to do with your student What to talk about with your student What NOT to talk about Time commitment Follow up

3. About RGC Mission Rochester Global Connections promotes international understanding and cultural exchange between our community and international students and visitors through its membership and programs. History Rochester Global Connections (formerly Rochester International Friendship Council) was founded by May Crowley and incorporated in 1957 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to international students. RGC partnered with the U of R and RIT to develop cultural programs and support for international students and their families. Since 1963, RGC has been designing and implementing professional programs and cultural activities for foreign leaders, specialists, and scholars.

4. What we do Help international students assimilate to American life Cultural and educational programming Connect emerging leaders from around the world with professional counterparts in Rochester

5. Benefits of Friendship volunteer Give back to your community Forge life-long friendships Be a tour guide in your own city Learn about other cultures, new cuisine, new languages Expose your children to different cultures and possibly an international “sibling” Practice the privilege of being a “Citizen Diplomat” by shaping U.S. foreign relations and changing global and personal perspectives Rewarding experience of helping international students with practical assistance and providing social activities in the Rochester area. “I would encourage everyone to take this chance to really get to know and understand young people from other countries while they are studying here as it will change your life, while erasing any ideas you may have that somehow Americans have core differences from others. Exchanging thoughts, ideas and friendship with people on the other side of the world is something that most people never have the opportunity to do…” - Lois Golbeck, Friendship Volunteer

6. Application Process 1)Submit Friendship Volunteer ApplicationFriendship Volunteer Application 2)RGC will review application and contact references 3)RGC will contact you and have you complete the training, sign Friendship Volunteer Manual/Insurance form 4)Once requirements are completed, a Friendship Volunteer Coordinator will contact you within 10 business days to match you with a student

7. Volunteer Responsibilities and Expectations Friendship Volunteers are asked to get together and interact at least once per month, however meetings can be more frequent depending on participants’ preferences and availability Keep in contact and maintain regular communication via phone, text, email, Facebook, etc. Activities with your friendship student are up to you and your student; Invite them over for special occasions such as a holiday or birthday, take them shopping to help them find a good winter coat for the winter, include them on excursions for example festivals, unique destinations in the Rochester area, etc. Invite your student to some of the RGC events and activities during the academic year Respect each other’s culture, customs, beliefs, religion, etc.

8. Culture Shock Many students experience culture shock while living in another country. Adjustment to a new culture and environment is not accomplished in a few days and can take up to a year or more. If you recognize these symptoms of culture shock, please talk about it with your students or contact their international student advisor Symptoms of Culture Shock  Excitement and stimulation  Confusion, irritability, or withdrawal  Sudden intense feeling of loyalty to home culture  Physical reactions such as appetite change or headaches  Depression, boredom, or lack of motivation  Marital or relationship stress

9. Initial Meeting with the Student  Once assigned to a student, we recommend you making the initial introduction, such as by email or a phone call. We also recommend meeting in a public location so that the student feels comfortable.  Before meeting the student, learn about his or her country: location, form of government, major cities, religions, and holidays  Students may have different expectations such as how regularly to meet and what activities you do together, such as spending traditional holidays with you. It is important to have a conversation about what you hope to provide and to understand the student’s expectations  Remember, students are students, therefore they can be very busy with academics. If a student does not initially respond after 2-3 attempts, please contact the RGC office and we can reassign you a new student.

10. Activities to do with your student Depends upon your interests and those of the student, simply ask your student! Invite your student to an RGC event Go to a festival, visit a museum, visit the canal Share your hobbies, ask about theirs Cook together, both American food and food from the student’s country Celebrate birthdays and holidays together Go to a sport or cultural event *When inviting the student, indicate dress, beginning and ending times, and whether a meal is included

11. Hosting a student at home for a meal Having your student over for a meal is a great way to have students experience American culture. Please consider the following items:  Does your student have dietary restrictions?  It is important to have nonalcoholic drinks available for those whose religion or culture discourages alcohol  If you start your meal with a prayer, you will want to explain this custom to your student  Your guest may be quiet during the meal which may be due to cultural patterns, shyness, or nervousness  Many students are not accustomed to having pets inside the home- until you know how your student will react please keep pets at a distance  You may want to invite more than one student over so they will be more comfortable

12. What to talk to your student about Almost everything, if done in a respectful manner. Explore your cultural differences, talk about government, history, world events. You can express your opinions, but try to make clear what is your opinion and what is fact. While neither we nor the students are experts on our respective governments, we can learn a great deal by discussing our views and how we interpret particular events. It is acceptable to discuss religion with students; it is a violation of RGC policies to proselytize.

13. What NOT to talk to your student about Do not answer questions or provide advice when it comes to employment restrictions, immigration and visa problems, financial problems, academic problems with professors, advisors and administrators. You are not responsible for financial support. Never sign cosign for loans or subscriptions to services such as cell phones. There are advisors on campus who are trained in these areas. Please refer students to the contact information:  RIT Contact Information- International Student Services Office Telephone: 585-475-6943 Email: iss@rit.eduiss@rit.edu  University of Rochester Contact Information- International Services Office Telephone: (585) 275-2866 Email: questions@iso.rochester.eduquestions@iso.rochester.edu If you still aren’t sure, please contact the RGC office at (585) 275-8779. Thank you. Contact Information

14. How you can help Resources  Help them move into new apartment  Provide transportation to the store to help them get supplies  Provide practice in speaking English  Refer them to their international student advisor regarding any academic, medical, or financial problems Staying in touch  It is important to keep in touch with student as coming to a new country can often be lonely.  A brief note, text, or birthday card can help remind the student that they have not been forgotten.

15. How long is the time commitment? You may sign up to host a student for a semester, a year, or for the whole time they are in Rochester, it’s up to you! Many friendship volunteers develop life-long friendships with their students, so it may continue longer than a year or up until the student graduates Volunteers have visited their students in their countries so, you never know! If you no longer can continue to volunteer or if you student is no longer available, please contact the RGC office to let us know.

16. Follow Up Volunteer Follow-Up After a few months, RGC will follow up with you by phone and email to check in and address any questions or concerns At the end of the academic year, we kindly request you to fill out a brief survey to see how your experience was and if you will be continuing as a volunteer. Contact RGC At any point, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the RGC office  Phone: 585-275-8779  Email: Execdir@Rochesterglobalco nnections.org Execdir@Rochesterglobalco nnections.org

17. Next Steps 1)Sign and send in the training form to confirm that you have completed the training 2)Please review and sign the Friendship Volunteer manual- additional FAQ are in the manual 3) The RGC office will contact you and follow up to assign you a student

18. Thank you! Thank you for your time and taking an interest in hosting an international student! This is the start of what could be a life- long relationship where you and your student will learn from each other and grow together. We hope that this experience will encourage you to break stereotypes, discover your own city, and continue the international experience once your student returns to their home country. With your help we can promote international understanding that will contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world “one handshake at a time”.