Friendship Family Program
The Friendship Family Program is designed to match students with local Hays families. It is important to note that this program is not a home stay program. Your family match will become your friends, just like any other friend you have. If you are interested in participating in this program as a student or a family, please refer to the information below.
We want to welcome you to become a part of our Friendship Family Program!
The Friendship Family Program is a friendship program where you will be matched with a local Hays family. It is not a home stay program. You and your family match will be friends, just like you are friends with others.
Benefits for you:
- Become acquainted with an American family while living in the United States
- Experience American life and culture by interacting with your Hays family
- Share your own culture and experience with others
How do I get started?
First, you will need to complete an application for the program. Applications for the Friendship Family Program are available in the International Student Services Office. Once your application has been received, we will begin working on matching you with a family. Because of the large number of applications we receive, it may take some time to meet all placement requests. You will be notified when you have been matched with a family.
Begin a remarkable journey by becoming a Friendship Family Program Family!
The Friendship Family Program is a community based family visitation program not a home-stay hosting program. Students attend classes at Fort Hays State University and are responsible for their own accommodations. Friendship Family participants are friends with their students just as they are friends with others.
Who can become a Family?
Individuals, students, married couples, and families are all encouraged to become Friendship Family Program Families. Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Friendship Family Program.
Some of the reward and benefits of being a FFP family include:
- You and your family will meet people from other parts of the world and learn about their cultures.
- Teach others about life in the United States and our culture.
- See the U.S. through different eyes.
- Help students living far from home to adjust to life in a new country.
- "Travel" while staying at home.
- Make a new friend!!
Want more information about FFP?
The FFP Family Handbook is a thorough guide for families on how the program works, what family responsibilities are, and ways to get involved with your student.
How do I get started?
First, we will need you to complete an application for the program. Applications are available in the International Student Services Office. Once we have received your application, the matching process will begin. Matching of families and students are completed during the first few weeks of each semester. You will be notified when you have been matched. You, as the family, should initiate contact with your student soon after your assignment.