International Friends, Inc. hosts a variety of activities that include both University of Arizona students and Tucson volunteers.

Each semester, a luncheon is held for the incoming undergraduate and graduate students in conjunction with the University‘s orientation program. Attendees also include hosts and representatives from the University of Arizona International Student Programs and Services office. Volunteers are encouraged to help with the food preparation, host at a table, or contribute some good old-fashioned homemade cookies. This is a great opportunity to meet the new students. While at the luncheon, students are encouraged to sign up for their choice of programs: International Friends host family, a Welcome Dinner, the Mayor‘s Award or all three!

Shortly after the orientation, students who signed up for the welcome dinners are invited to the home of an IF host for dinner. This is a great way to make new friends, and enjoy a home-cooked meal! It's a one-time event, and a wonderful opportunity for students to meet hosts as well as other students.

A reception is held at the beginning of the fall semester for students and hosts who have signed up to partipate in the program that year. Anyone on our mailing list is invited to join the lively conversation. It is traditionally the event for new students to meet their hosts for the first time. Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, contribute to a snack buffet and help keep the table stocked with food.

Each spring, International Friends holds a potluck dinner for all students who have been involved in our activities during the year, their hosts and other community friends. A potluck dinner is where both students and hosts bring food native to their country to share with others. We also have various kinds of fun entertainment featuring music and dance from around the world.

Tucson Mayor‘s Award recognizes students who participate in community activities outside their normal course of studies. For more information,

Board Meetings are held four times a year to evaluate the program and plan events. Future initiatives and strategies are discussed at a Spring Planning Meeting. The Board is comprised of students, Tucson hosts and a representative from the University of Arizona office of International Student Programs and Services. Anyone who is interested can become a member of one of the Committees of the Board including Special Events, Fund Raising, and Public Relations. Often times committee members move on to the Board of Directors when a vacancy occurs on the Board. If you are interested, let us know by sending a note to ifriends@email.arizona.edu.

International Friends, Inc. | ifriends@email.arizona.edu | phone: (520) 621-4627