Friends of Cameron University International Students !!!       
                         
                                      How Do I Sign up?
Click here to complete the online application form for the International Friendship Family Program.If you have questions about the program, you may email Patsy Sanders, volunteer program coordinator or call her cell phone 580-583-0152. 
                                

                            What is it?
Friendship family is a volunteer organization designed to help Cameron University International Students  to develop quality friendships with at least one American family . If you are interested in enriching your cultural and educational experience while in the USA  and you  are willing to make the time once a month to meet with a Lawton/Ft Sill family then this program is for you. This program is a cooperative effort between Cameron Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s International Friendship Family Program and several local organizations. 


What is involved? 
Friendship volunteers are families  in the Lawton area who are interested in meeting international students and scholars. By inviting you to their homes and sharing family activities with you, they help you enjoy cultural opportunities and visit different places in the city or area. New students are given priority because they need more assistance in learning about Lawton and in making new friends.  Friendship families do not provide any financial ,medical assistance  nor housing.  They are not allowed to assume any financial responsibility for their student. A special orientation is required for all participants (students and friendship volunteers). The orientation for students will be a brief  15 minute meeting at the BSU/ Baptist Collegiate ministry building, 2614 “E” Ave (just across the street and east of Cameron Village apartments).  You will notified when this is scheduled after you sign up.   

What Should I Expect?
You will be matched with a Lawton area family. You will be given information about your friendship family  by email as soon as an assignment is made. Your family  will receive information about you at the same time and will call or write to arrange to meet with you.  

  Some things a family might do with you for your once a month get together are:
  • Take you sightseeing.
  • Have you over for a meal, family birthday celebration or special holidays.
  • Take you with them to a sports or cultural event.
Families are encouraged to give you assistance as needed when you first arrive, then see or call you at least twice a month. We hope you will stay in touch throughout your stay in America.

If you sign up for this voluntary program, your time commitment is:
       *Meet with your family at least once a month, 3-4 hours, for at least two semesters (although the friendship can continue for several semesters or years or as long as you desire and are available). Two semesters is barely long enough for you to get acquainted with your family.
       Respond consistently to emails, phone calls, and/or contacts by Facebook (if you have an account).

What if I have problems?
If you do not hear from your assigned family/friend within two weeks of receiving your family’s contact information, or if you have problems in establishing a relationship, contact Patsy Sanders (her contact information is listed above). She will contact the family and assign the student to a different family if necessary.

  What if I sign up and later decide that I do not have time to participate?
If you sign up and later decide that you do not have time to meet with your family on a consistent monthly basis, that is OK, but you must let your family know that you are having difficulty finding time to participate. Your family will understand. You must notify your family and also notify the friendship family coordinator, Patsy Sanders, immediately so that another student can be matched with the family. It is NOT ACCEPTABLE for a student to quit responding to a family without prior notification.