Friendship Partners / Conversation Partners

International Students, Inc. provides free Friendship Partners ... an American individual or family who will meet you in person once or twice each month to befriend you and to help you learn about American culture.

A Conversation Partner is similar, but with more emphasis on helping you improve your English. This person will typically meet you for about one hour each week.

If you are an international student in the Portland area and you would like to have a Friendship or Conversation Partner, please contact us to sign up.

''Living abroad without a family was very challenging. But it was not too late for me to get a family here because of ISI. I met L. and M. initially and they helped me to be settled down here, introduced me with the groceries and helped me to get necessary furniture. Later I was attached with a friendship family who involved me and my roommates as their family members and together we celebrated holidays and did some hangouts for fun. During two years of my grad school, I didn't feel that I am living without a family here.'' - Hashem
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Group Activities

International Students, Inc. sponsors several groups and fun activities for international students.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, at this time our gatherings happen either in small numbers or on Zoom.  When it's safe to do so, we plan to resume our groups in Northeast Portland, Newberg, Vancouver, and the Hillsboro/Forest Grove area.

These groups give you the opportunity to build friendships with Americans and with other internationals. All international  students are welcome!  For more information, please contact us.

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Services

In addition to airport pick-ups, we often have volunteers available to assist you with other needs as well. If you have a need, contact us and we'll do our best to find someone who can help you.

For students wanting to learn more about the Christian faith, we offer respectful discussion opportunities and free Bibles in many languages.

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