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Adventures in Friendship2009 Adventures in Friendship Info Imagine if your child went around the world for a summer. Wouldn't you want someone to be there for them if the need arose and they needed a friend? In the summertime many foreign students come to the Erie County area to work. Most lack basic transportation, their friends are few, they're in a strange place and their American "experience" is usually limited to work. Some find themselves trying to retain up to 3 seasonal type jobs just to make ends meet. They can become lonely and discouraged - often returning home with a less than favorable image of what life is like in the United States. Many foreign students working in Erie County in the summertime never meet Americans outside of their workplace. Typically they never get the opportunity to enter an American home or experience general hospitality. Sometimes their pay is stolen. Many students are unfamiliar with how banks, stores, and local law enforcement work. Sometimes they experience small problems which would otherwise be no problem for Americans familiar with the area. Can you be someone's friend for a day?You can help by being available and consider doing some of the following things if contacted:
Students are in the area from about April thru September. As interest and needs develop you will be contacted thru your club. Once connected with a student, you will determine how often you meet as opportunities arise. There is no idea how much interest they will have, but we will see. You are not being asked to adopt these young adults. You are however, required to provide complete transportation for your student for any activities you come up with. You are not expected to provide housing like a typical high school exchange program. You are, however, encouraged to help them out, share your life, and let them know that someone cares!  |
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