Conversation Partners
Would you be willing to meet someone from Korea or China to talk with them? They need practice speaking English with a native speaker. This would be similar to visiting with a friend over coffee or a soft drink with an important difference - the friend is working very hard to master your language!
Apply online: click here!
Collegiate Ambassadors
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The Collegiate Ambassadors Program (CAP) is a unique program where MU students act as mentors, tutors, tour guides, and friends to visiting students participating in the EPI (English Proficiency and Internship) program or in the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. CAP is a highly integral and highly-valued component of the EPI and TESOL programs.
More information: see here | Apply online: click here!
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Dinners
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Could you share a Sunday or evening meal with an international student or a family? If there's one thing that Americans and Asians really have in common, it's a love of food and bonding over a meal. The Asian Affairs Center invites you to play host to two of our visiting students or scholars from Pacific Rim countries, inviting them to your home for an American-style dinner/supper. |
Dinner/supper need not be fancy. These students and scholars welcome the opportunity to sit and talk with Americans in a relaxed setting. The age of Americans doesn't seem to matter to them. They seem pleased to interact with familes with children, retired couples, as well as people of their age. It's always a surprise that Americans actually have meals and do not exist on "fast food" seven days a week! Apply online: click here!
Family Friendship Exchange
International families come to Columbia with the goals of meeting Americans and developing a better understanding of their culture. This is often difficult and it is estimated that 70% of the international visitors never see the inside of an American home. This program is designed to encourage Asian and American families to meet at least twice each month.
One of these meetings may be at a monthly event organized by the Asian Affairs Center. The second meeting might be supper in your home, a trip to a local festival, or sledding at Stephens Park. The Family Friendship Exchange program provides an excellent opportunity to "build global friendships one family at a time."
Questions? Please contact our Special Programs Coordinator at herdem@missouri.edu or (573)882-5624
Apply online: click here!
Host Taiwanese Graduate Students
Homes are needed for Taiwanese graduate students who will be at the University of Missouri from October 26- November 11. These counseling psychology graduate students would like to stay in an American home, although their days and some evenings will be taken up with events and classes. Those hosting will be paid $150. Please consider making some new international friends.
More Information! Q & A-1 | Q & A-2 | Application form: Click here!
Special Events
Your family might enjoy joining other American and Asian families in special events coordinated by various groups on campus or around Columbia. Activities range from potluck suppers to swimming at a lake or roller-skating. Events are designed to encourage conversations between people from different cultures.
Business/Agency/Factory/Farm Tours
The international participants come from very different backgrounds and they have diverse interests. Some are mid-life career individuals while others are upper level college students. Would you speak to an individual or small group about your job or business? Perhaps they could benefit from a visit to the factory, farm, business or agency where you work.
Cooking Classes
Some of the Chinese and Koreans enjoy cooking and would like to share their recipes and techniques with American cooks. In return, they are very interested in learning some genuine American cooking during their time in the States. Cooking/sharing classes bring these cooks from different continents together to share an interest Ð making delicious food.
Student Mentors
College students or young professionals are needed to take college students to clubs or activities of interests to this age group. Volunteering as mentors may lead to paid coordinator work.
Speakers
Share your hobby, avocation or unique knowledge with international visitors. A speaker's bureau is being established to link speakers with Asian audiences interested in specific topics.
Job Shadowing
Many students are interested in spending a day with someone working in their major field. Would you allow someone to shadow you during a workday?
Hosting Group Parties
Could you accommodate a group of people who gather to watch a movie or sports events on TV or to play games? Creating social opportunities for Asians and Americans to interact is important.
Outreach
Would you be willing to help recruit undergraduates interested in participating in the programs of the Asian Affairs Center? Could you volunteer help in preparing mailings, speaking to groups, making calls, or participating in an advisory committee. Support and outreach for this program is needed.
Shopping Friends
Would you like to let international families and individuals know the best shopping spots? Would you take someone with you to an auction or garage sale? You could share your shopping tips and information with our international visitors.
Important Information
There are several pre-requisites required to participate in some of the aforementioned programs. If you wish to participate in any of the programs, please contact us (information below) and we will be happy to supplement you with more information.
Dr. Mary Jo Herde
N49 Memorial Union
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone:(573)882-5624
Fax: (573) 884-2709
Email: HerdeM@missouri.edu
