Cornell International Friendship Program
CIFP is a friendship program which connects international students and scholars with local Ithaca families.
Mission
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is committed to providing a broad range of support services to its students and scholars who have come to Cornell to study, teach or conduct research. Amongst the many resources that ISSO offers, the International Friendship Program matches students and scholars with local alumni and other community members/volunteers who are committed to providing cultural, educational and social support. This program is intended to enhance the lives of all participants who will share experiences, learn new skill sets, and build lifelong relationships. Popular activities may include sharing holiday dinners, sight-seeing, picnicking, shopping and including the student in family celebrations or events.
Matching Process
The Cornell Campus Club and the Office of Alumni Affairs are collaborating with the ISSO to provide this service.
International students and scholars and local community members may request to participate in the program by completing the form below AND also downloading, completing and submitting the appropriate release form also listed below.
Once the application and release forms are submitted, international participants are then matched with a member from the local community.
Matches will be made as soon as possible but may require some time depending on availability. Please note that we are currently experiencing a shortage of available local community volunteers.
If you are a new student, we will not be matching you with a local community volunteer until near the time you arrive in the U.S. Once a match has been made, the participant and local volunteer will both receive information about their match. The volunteer is expected to make the first contact with the international participant.
The Role of the Local Community Volunteer
Local volunteers are expected to be a resource for international participants who are seeking additional support as they adapt to a new environment. Support may include assisting with questions about American culture and the Ithaca community or simply providing friendship and a sense of belonging to a newcomer. Community volunteers are encouraged to meet with their participants at least once per semester and be communicative by phone or email. Volunteers are NOT expected to provide housing for participants.
After the initial match is made, community volunteers and internationals are responsible for developing and maintaining their relationships. Time commitment and level of involvement will vary in each relationship based on the needs of participants. The ISSO will periodically offer programming and events for CIFP participants to attend.
To view a training video, created by Rice University, which provides guidelines for U.S. volunteers visit, click on this link.
How to Enroll in CIFP:
If you are interested in enrolling in CIFP, please complete and submit the CIFP Interest Form below. Additionally, you must download and complete the appropriate release form listed below. The form releases Cornell University of any liability and damages or injury, related to participation in this friendship program. Please carefully read the release form, sign it, and ask a witness to sign it. Send the completed release form as a pdf to Ann [cihpithaca@gmail.com], or you may contact her at 607.277.8692 to make other arrangements. Once we have received both your interest form and the release form, you will be matched with a community volunteer or international participant.
You will receive an email confirmation of your enrollment in CIFP and additional information regarding the program once you submit the forms below.
Submit ONE release form:
AND submit the interest form below: