Friends of International Students (FIS CR) is a non-profit organization, supported by the Coe College Provost's Office and English as a Second Language Program. FIS CR promotes friendship and cross cultural understanding by connecting international students at Coe College to the Cedar Rapids Community. FIS CR is organized by an independent board comprised of Coe College faculty and community volunteers. 

 

FIS CR provides an opportunity for Coe international students to be matched with a community host for friendship and cross-cultural appreciation. Students sign up during orientation in August and are matched with a host after that. In late September or early October students meet their hosts for the first time at our annual Match Reception held on campus.  After that, hosts and students arrange their own meetings and activities. Typically hosts and students get together once a month for 2-4 hours on a weekend. For students, an FIS friend gives them the chance to learn about American lifestyles and culture that is often outside of the American college experience. Students appreciate FIS friends who offer company and friendship while helping them enhance their perspectives as they live and study in the US. Hosts enjoy getting to learn about a student’s culture and perspectives as well. 

 

Participation is open to Coe international students. Many of our hosts have been hosting for Coe for a number of years and are considered part of the Coe Community.  While the activities the hosts and students do vary by family, some of the common activities include sharing a meal (at the host’s home and/or local restaurants), shopping, going to a movie, attending a local sports or theater event, getting together to celebrate a holiday such as Halloween or Thanksgiving, etc. Many hosts also attend events on Coe’s campus the international students are involved with such our annual International Culture Show in the fall and our International Banquet in February. Students take pride in inviting their friends to their activities.