Ball State University created the Friendship Family program to connect international students with American families.  Currently there are over 700 international students at Ball State and Ball State’s goal is to grow to over 1000 international students in the next couple of years.  We have the tremendous opportunity to connect with those students by sharing American culture and customs with them, while taking the opportunity to share with them the love of Jesus Christ.

A Friendship Family is not the same as a high school exchange host family.  As a Friendship Family you are not housing the international student or providing for any of their needs.  The only commitment is that you will connect with your student about once a month to share with them American holidays and American culture.  This might include inviting them to a meal, going to a local sporting event, going to a local festival, etc.

The biggest growth in international student numbers at Ball State comes from countries that are closed to Gospel, such as China and Saudi Arabia.  What a tremendous opportunity we have to impact those countries by getting to know their students! 

If you are interested in more information, please visit Ball State's Friendship Family Page.