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APPLY TO MESSIAH

Friendship Family Program

Ways to Get Involved 

Volunteering with International Student Programs is a wonderful way to demonstrate gracious hospitality to our students who are far from home. As you care for these students, you'll no doubt make new friends and expand your own understanding of the world and develop greater intercultural awareness. International Student Programs has four ways that you can get involved. Please note, that you must be a current student or employee to volunteer. Below you can learn more and sign up when you're ready.

The purpose of the International and Missionary Student Peer Advisor (IMPA) program is to provide ongoing mentoring to incoming first-year international, missionary and third-culture students, contributing to their success during orientation week and beyond. IMPAs are comprised of returning students who have a passion for welcoming and supporting new international, MK and TCK students. If this describes you, then please consider applying to be one of our peer advisors! 

Please contact Amy Nicols, Director of International Student Programs, anicols@messiah.edu if you have any questions.

IMPA Application

Applications become available from the ISP Office every Spring, and must be submitted by the assigned deadline. Please email Amy Nicols with any questions you have about the IMPA application process.

IMPA Recommendation Form

The goal of this program is to provide a place of comfort and connection for international, missionary, and third culture (TCK) students while they're away from their families and home. It offers students an opportunity to further interact with U.S. culture, experience Christian hospitality and develop lifelong friendships. This popular program is only open to Messiah University employees who volunteer to provide care and hospitality to students in whatever way they can. 

If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to contact the Office of International Student Programs.

I want to serve as a Friendship Family to an international student. (Please return completed applications to lgodoy@messiah.edu or via campus mail to International Student Programs).
I am a current or incoming international student wanting to have a Friendship Family. (Please return completed applications to lgodoy@messiah.edu or via campus mail to International Student Programs).