Friends of International Students Provide Comfort and Community for Incoming Grinnellians

For even the most well-prepared Grinnell first years, adjusting to college life poses its share of difficulties. Factor in jet lag, culture shock and homesickness, and a student’s first weeks at Grinnell could become highly overwhelming. The Friends of International Students (FIS) program, coordinated by the Office of International Student Affairs, eases the adjustment to life in the USA by pairing first-year international students with a local host.  

Karen Edwards, Dean of International Student Affairs, directs the FIS program. She sees FIS as providing a bridge between international students and the broader Grinnell community.  

“One of the things I like the most is that I see students come with a perception of this small, rural community – many are nervous about what it's like or who might live here,” Edwards said. “It's wonderful for them to meet people in town who really care about them... FIS offers our students the potential to see our friendly local community in a new light.” 

Incoming international students opt into the FIS program prior to their arrival on campus. Hosts also complete an application to indicate their interest. OISA staff then match students and community hosts based on shared interests and preferences. Students and hosts meet for the first time at a Central Park meet-and-greet during the College’s International Pre-Orientation Program. After this initial meeting, time spent together can be initiated by either the host or student. 

Diona Plakolli ’26 is a first-year international student from Kosovo and Albania. Plakolli was paired with Grinnell College Development and Alumni Relations staff member Jill Petsel as her FIS host, and cites their host/student relationship as “one of the best parts” of her first year on campus.  

“Throughout the year, Jill has offered me so much support and help. We went out quite a lot of times – going out for pizza, watching hockey games, driving to malls. Not only do we hang out whenever we are both available, but she is constantly willing to offer me emotional support, and fun talk,” Plakolli said.  

“This was the first experience as an international student host. I was anxious about taking on this role, worried I wouldn't have anything to offer a student. I am so glad I signed up or I wouldn't have met this amazing young lady from Kosovo. It is interesting to learn about Diona's country, her background, and her culture. However, the best and most amazing part is learning about Diona - about what interests her, her aspirations for the future, and her frustrations. I look forward to serving in any capacity needed to support Diona over the next three years, shared Petsel. 

Plakolli and Petsel’s relationship helped make Grinnell feel less intimidating, especially during the colder months. Many international students stay in the residence halls during the winter break (when traveling home isn’t an option) and Plakolli especially appreciated her FIS host during this time.  

Edwards also noted how valuable host families can be in connecting students to local activities. Hosts often act as an intermediary between students and resources offered by the College, and they can also help with simple tasks like rides to buy clothing or trips to the grocery store.  

“Adjusting to life in the USA can be challenging and quite different from what many students are used to,” Edwards said. “FIS hosts can help those challenges be countered by a positive narrative, by a different experience, to start to see that many people here live and love and learn and view the world in ways that can enrich each other's lives... I think that's admirable.” 

Plakolli seconded this sentiment, urging international students to take advantage of an opportunity to build new, meaningful relationships. 

“[FIS] is a great way to make friends, especially if you find it difficult to find meaningful connections or friendships in college,” Plakolli said. “...I have a great [host], and that's how it must be with other host families as well. I appreciate my host a lot.” 

Edwards believes that being a host is fulfilling in often-unexpected ways, and we invite participation of various family units and life stage, including single folks.  

“The low hanging fruit is that you're meeting someone from a new country and culture. But I think the deeper stuff is that, as a host, it's a great avenue to stay connected with youth culture, with college campus culture, and an excuse to be engaged on campus,” she said. “I think especially for local families who aren't connected to the college that's a nice entree.” 

The FIS program is currently seeking hosts for the 2023-24 academic year. The application is available at www.Grinnell.edu/FIS and is due July 2. Edwards invites anyone interested in befriending a new student to apply. While the OISA is the primary resource for international students on campus – host families offer an invaluable additional support system for new Grinnellians from around the world.  

Plakolli advises potential hosts to not shy away from this opportunity to learn about other parts of the world.  

“The collision between two different cultures might be perceived as intimidating, but it can be something exciting and fun and help you learn new things every day,” she said. “It helps both parties become more empathetic by constantly being open to more and more ideas, beliefs, and experiences.” 

Here’s How It Works 

1. Hosts and students complete an application to indicate their interest. 
2. The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) assigns student/host matches every August. 
3. Students arrive in mid-August to participate in International Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP), and FIS participants meet one another early in the fall semester. 

The OISA will host an initial FIS Meet and Greet in early August, after which both students and hosts are encouraged to initiate invitations to meet. Hosts often invite students to visit their homes and to explore the local area. Students often invite hosts to campus activities and may consider their FIS host as a resource for their adjustment to life in Iowa.