Community members can be individuals or families and are recruited from throughout Milwaukee.  Interested volunteers are asked to fill out an application stating their interests, which helps the program make appropriate student matches.

As a volunteer for the Marquette International Friendship Program, community members agree to participate for a one year period.  After that period ends, community friends are encouraged to continue their relationship with the international student, albeit on an informal basis.  If they choose and feel they have the time, volunteers will also be invited to participate in another formal “friendship” the following year.

During the formal match period, community members are asked to spend time with their students at least once a month.  Activities can include almost any activity, and many friends will find they share an interest in sport, cultural events or outdoor activities, while others will find they just prefer to meet for coffee once in a while to chat. The emphasis is on including the student in normal activities that volunteers do anyway, as opposed to creating special events.  And while it is not required, the program encourages volunteers to invite their students to any holiday celebrations as appropriate.  These are often an excellent way for our students to learn about American culture.