Several hundred foreign college student workers will be working at Cedar Point, Kalahari, and other locations in Erie County this summer. Their view of USA is often limited to tourists, co-workers, and employee housing, but not American families and homes and how we REALLY live here unless someone reaches out to them, but it is difficult for young foreigners to determine trustworthiness of the people they meet at work. Adventures in Friendship attempts to solve that problem.
Americans volunteer to become an ambassador for our country, to meet and know some of the best and brightest young people from other countries, and to show them the joy and love we share in our country. They also can be an adult presence for our young summer employees, their security, the persons whom I would hope my own children would encounter if they were abroad. Americans all are involved in the local community and well-known to be upstanding citizens.
This is a little different from the high school exchange programs.
The students have housing and jobs!
All you are is a friend! They do not live with you!
Adventures in Friendship works like this:
Americans volunteer to be ambassadors in early spring, understanding that the students do not usually begin to arrive until late May, June, and July and they may only stay until mid-August, but possibly they may stay as late as early October. Americans must be adult. Families consist of 1-2 adults and any children or other relatives and friends. If the international worker has a preference for the kind of family they hope to meet, I hope they will say so in their application.
Employers tell the internationals about Adventures in Friendship and give them the web address. Some employers like Cedar Point have orientation programs for their summer employees. Others just provide contact information. Sometimes the contact comes from their residence or word-of-mouth.
We pair the American families with one or two foreign student workers as they sign up. (We suggest two; because of the comfort level of the students will be higher, but it’s the option of the American family.)
The students contact the Americans, either by calling, visiting at work, or e-mailing, using the instructions the American has given them. The Americans sometimes need to assist students in making contact ... although they speak English, their comprehension may not be perfect.
Arrange an initial meeting. (The American will have to provide their transportation.)
You take it from there!
How often friends meet is up to you. Friendships are variable and individual. The Americans are in charge.
Some event ideas might include: Dinner at home
Share a hobby
Visit a beach or park
Visit local tourist attractions
Go fishing
Attend athletic events
Attend a service club meeting
Take a drive
Visit a business the international student is interested in. (Nursing home? Farm? Factory?)
Go out on a boat
Meet American kids
This program will be what you and they make it.
To be part of this program, Americans must be a member of a local organization of some type, such as a church, sports, service or civic club.
To contact us, please call:
419-433-8892
or use the contact form on the site.
You should find application forms on this site for both Americans and Internationals. Please fill it out.
Registering at this site will not put you on a mailing list or enter you as a participant in this program or cost you any money; it will enable you to participate in the forums and contact other members. It is also not automatic. Your registration must be approved by a moderator.
feel free to look around without registering - register if you intend to participate 
Be sure to see our little movie under 'NEWS' Ten minutes.