What Is International Family Connect?
International Family Connect is an exciting and dynamic program that provides international students a "home away from home." Birthed and founded on the calling in John 13:34, to love one another as the Father loves us, the Alumni Relations Department and the International Student Center have partnered together with the mission to connect international students to local ORU families who would like to open their doors to our community. Our goal is to serve as a platform to connect ORU families with current students and provide an opportunity for both students and host families to love on one another, learn from each culture, and serve as catalysts for their integration with different worldviews.
Throughout the year, the International Student Center will be in communication with the students and families to check in and invite them to special events.
Apply to be Hosted Apply to be a Host
Help An International Student This Holiday Season
We would like to invite you to partner with us to serve this student group! Donate warm winter coats and blankets for their use. Many of these students come to us from climates that don’t require coats or blankets, and they are in desperate need of such items when the Oklahoma weather turns frigid. Will you partner with us?
How Do I Join?
- Fill out the online application: We will make the best match according to the preferences listed.
- Attend Family Connect matching night.
You will receive your student/family profile a few weeks before matching night.
Expectations & Guidelines
Students are expected to:
- Attend Family Connect matching night
- Respect traditions and beliefs of the host family
- Be flexible and open to receiving another culture
- Complete participation surveys/evaluations
Host families are expected to:
- Attend Family Connect matching night
- Respect traditions and beliefs of the student
- Facilitate the student’s adjustment to a new culture and academic environment
- Be flexible and open to receiving another culture
What You Will Experience
“These students are such outstanding people -- intelligent, fun, and kind. It was a lot of fun to watch them enjoy playing and teasing one another. It was really great to hear them share about their lives.” – Host Family
- 50% of the families expect to establish a long-term relationship with our students
- 83.3% of the families plan to stay in touch with our students
- 66.7% of the families rated their experience as a 5 and 33.3% rated their experience as a 4 (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest rating).
“They have made me feel closer to home. Their advice, love, and constant care have been exceptional. Thank you so much for everything, my dear family!” – Valentina Alvarez (Colombia)
"Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such an amazing host family. Living thousands of miles away of my family, I felt very lonely. I thank ORU’s Family Connect Program for connecting me to a wonderful family. I have received so much love and hospitality from them and they have accepted me as one of their own.” – Joyce Robert (Pakistan/Saudi Arabia)