International Education Center

Georgia College & State University

Faculty & Staff Programs

Serving as a "Local Connection" for International Students:

What is the Connections Program?

Connections is a volunteer cross-cultural friendship program that matches faculty, staff and families in the local community with international students at Georgia College & State University.  The program is designed to give personal support to international students as they adjust to their new life in Milledgeville and to provide locals an opportunity to learn first-hand about other cultures.  Students and families get together on an occasional basis, and families need not provide housing or financial support.  Students and families can interact in many ways such as sharing meals, attending concerts or sports events, relaxing on the lake, or celebrating the holidays together.

Who can participate?

Families with children at home, “empty nesters,” singles, grandparents and surrogates of all kinds qualify to participate.  Anyone who is interested in helping out someone new to the community and who is open to learning about a new culture can become the Local Connection.  Everyone is encouraged to participate!

Who are the international students?

Georgia College & State University hosts over 100 students from around 50 different countries.  There are students from India, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Kenya, just to name of few.  We also have students from countries with which you may be less familiar such as Kyrgyzstan or Zambia.  Many stay at GCSU for several years to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree.  Some come on exchange programs and may stay only one semester or one year.  Coming from all around the globe, these students do not have the traditional support systems that U.S. students have.  Sharing a meal or a ride to the store with their Local Connection can be very meaningful.

Why Join Connections?

You can make a new valuable friendship, learn about another culture, expand your understanding of the world, and give support to international students as they adjust to their new life in the U.S.  Connections is an opportunity for local families and internationals to forge lifelong friendships by sharing a whole range of social experiences. From your International Connection you may learn to serve high tea, cultivate bonsai trees, or how to play cricket. You may even have the chance to visit your student in his or her home country!  From you, the Local Connection, your student may develop an appreciation for American football, boating on Lake Sinclair, or practicing the art of rap.  Your involvement is especially important when students first arrive, as students are adjusting not only to university life, but life in Georgia and in the United States as well.

How do I join the program?

Local Connections Application Form