International Student Friendship Program

Friendship Volunteer

What is the Monash University International Student Friendship Program (ISFP)?

The Monash University International Student Friendship Program (ISFP) is a project coordinated through 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.

Why should I become involved?

There are many benefits of being a volunteer for the ISFP. It may be that you have travelled or intend to travel overseas and that you would like to be introduced to a student from a particular country to share experiences.

For those who are learning a new language, being introduced to an international student can provide you with an opportunity to learn and practice. Some families join so that their children can be exposed to a different culture. For others the benefits are in being part of a multicultural community, contributing to the local community or developing new friendships.

For students, the ISFP is about having a social and cultural outlet, easing the transition to university life and Australia. It is also an opportunity to experience real Australians enjoying life and experience Australian culture firsthand. They will also get the opportunity to practise and improve their English and see parts of Melbourne that they wouldn't see otherwise.

How do I become involved?

If you are interested to join the program, an online registration form is available. Once your details have been submitted, the Project Coordinator will contact you about an interview.

If you have any queries before you register your interest, contact the Project Coordinator on 9905 1451 or email, project coordinator.

How does the program work?

Once we have received your online form we will contact you to make an appointment to see the ISFP coordinator. This is an informal interview to clarify your expectations of the program, answer any questions you may have and to ascertain your suitability. The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes and is a compulsory part of the application process.

If your application has been approved we will contact you to arrange a time for you to attend an orientation session. After this we will match you up with a suitable student and you will be invited to attend an event where you will be introduced to your student.

What activities would I do with my student?

The types of activities you and your student do will depend on your interests. You may invite them to your home for a meal, meet for a coffee, go to the movies, go bushwalking, play a game of sport or attend a community group activity. There are many options, so sharing your interests with your student will ensure that you can choose activities you will both enjoy.

Remember that most students will be money conscious so it is important to let them know of any expected costs associated with an activity and to be understanding if they cannot afford to participate.

Several times during the year, we organize joint social functions for all students and volunteers of the ISFP. These are a good opportunity to get to know others in the program and to have a great time.

What is expected of ISFP volunteers?

The ISFP requires lots of training and organisation by the coordinator and management of community services. It is because of this that we expect volunteers joining the program to be committed to the student and program. As a volunteer we would expect you to:

Be willing to undergo a police records check (the police records check process will be explained at the initial interview);
Engage with the student through conversation and activities and to keep in regular contact with your student;
Ensure regular contact is maintained with students, and if this is not possible for some reason to inform the coordinator;
Provide regular feedback to the coordinator on your activities within the program;
Inform the coordinator if there are problems or issues of concern so that these may be addressed as quickly as possible;
Recognise personal boundaries and the necessity to exercise discretion in dealing with difficult issues;
Respect the culture and beliefs of your student. Check with your student if there is anything that they will not eat for religious or other reasons and be sensitive that some topics or jokes may be embarrassing or offensive;
Remember you are a role model for the student, they may not be aware of Australian laws, and it is your responsibility to ensure you always abide by correct rules and regulations
Not encourage students to indulge in any form of illegal drug use or inappropriate activity;
Encourage your student to seek assistance of Monash University staff for serious problems. Although you will naturally be concerned for the welfare of your student, you are not required to be a student counsellor;
Not financially support your student in any way, including offering a loan;
Let the ISFP Coordinator know if you are having any problems with your student, if you are no longer interested in being in the program or if you have changed your contact details; and
Have fun and enjoy the time you spend with the student.