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| Staff directory | A-Z index | Site map |
International Student Friendship Program
What is the International Student Friendship Program (ISFP)?The Monash University International Student Friendship Program (ISFP) is a project coordinated through Family and Child Care Service, Health Wellbeing and Development. The aim of the program is to introduce international students to local volunteers and their families for the purpose of developing cross-cultural friendships. The ISFP provides social and practical support for international students by establishing friendships and cultural exchange. How do I volunteer?Visit the Friendship Volunteer page, for an outline on volunteering and an online form to register your interest, the ISFP Coordinator, Leanne Fairbrother will contact you after this. Alternatively you can contact the coordinator via email Leanne.Fairbrother@adm.monash.edu.au or telephone, 9905 3156. Why would an international student become involved?There are many benefits of joining the ISFP. Making contact with local families gives you an opportunity for social and cultural interaction. It can assist you in making the transition to life in Australia and to make the most of your time in Australia. Through the ISFP, students will get to experience Australian culture firsthand. You will also get the opportunity to practise and improve your English and may even see parts of Melbourne and Victoria that you wouldn’t know about.
Volunteers join the program for many reasons. They may have travelled or intend to travel overseas, they may be learning a new language or they may want to expose their children to a different culture. Volunteering is popular in Australia and some volunteers do this to contribute to the community and to promote Australia. How does the program work?Once we have filled in your online form the program coordinator will contact you about a volunteer. You will then be invited to attend an Introduction Night where you will be introduced to your volunteer. If you or your volunteer can not attend this your details will be passed on to your volunteer to contact you. Once you have been introduced it will be up to you and your volunteer to arrange meeting times regularly throughout the semester. You and your volunteer will know what your shared interests are and this will help in planning activities together. Several times during the year the ISFP will arrange social functions for all students and volunteers. These are a great opportunity to get to know others in the program and to have a great time. What types of activities would I do with my Australian volunteer?The types of activities you and your volunteer do will depend on your interests. You may meet for a coffee, share meals together, go to the movies, go bushwalking, play a game of sport or participate in a community group activity. It will be up to you and your volunteer to decide. How do I join the ISFP?If you have read through this information thoroughly and would like to be part of the program, please complete the online expression of interest registration form. Podcast - It's all about friendsListen to students and volunteers describing their experiences in the friendship program. Surf Life Saving ClubWant to experience this unique opportunity to get to know more about the beach and about Australian lifesavers? Click here now for more information! Volunteer/student stories
Newsletters
For more information about ISFP, please contact the ISFP Coordinator, Leanne Fairbrother at leanne.fairbrother@adm.monash.edu.au or by phoning 9905 3156 
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