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The Office of International Programs (OIP) at MSU would like to extend an invitation to participate in the Bozeman Friends of International Students (BFIS) program. BFIS is a cross-cultural exchange program designed to encourage friendships between our international students and the local Bozeman community, and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and culture. MSU faculty and staff, as well as Bozeman community members who wish to befriend an international student are invited to participate.

As a BFIS member, you will play an integral part in your student’s development and general happiness in Bozeman. We request that members offer the minimal commitment of inviting students to dinner once per month, as availability permits, as well as invitations to holiday dinners or events, such as Thanksgiving. However, families will find that as their relationship grows, they will likely want to see their student more often, and vice versa. We encourage greater engagement between BFIS families and their students; we try to match students with families of similar interests in hopes of nurturing stronger relationships.

BFIS members are encouraged to offer the following minimal support to their international students:
• Airport pickup (new students only, coordinated by OIP)
• Shopping (pre-semester shopping trip for necessities – new students only)
• Welcome dinner at BFIS member’s home or restaurant (at the start of the semester, new students)
• BFIS community social (date to be determined)
• Monthly invitation to your home or family gathering, possible holidays or family
events, outings, or short trips

 

Apply Here

If you are interested in participating, please complete the questionnaire below. We will use your answers to pair you with a student.

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Family Questionnaire