Friends of International Students Cedar Rapids

Lisa is a volunteer with Friends of International Students CR; the organizations goal is to connect international students studying at Coe College with community members in CR/Marion/Hiawatha for cross-cultural connection. 

Students are matched up with with a community member (family, couples, singles) with the idea that they'd get together on a regular basis (about once a month is the average - some end up getting together more, some less, just depending upon the student and hosts schedules). Sharing a meal or coffee out, cooking dinner together in the community members home, doing "American" things like visiting a pumpkin patch, having Thanksgiving dinner, or taking in a baseball game are some of the activities our students have enjoyed.

Currently the organizaion is working with students at Coe College, and are looking to expand the programs to Kirkwood and Mt. Mercy in the future.