The International Friend program at NIACC matches international students with a member of the local community. The initial commitment is for the fall term but many students and International Friends choose to remain in contact and maintain their relationships throughout the students’ time at NIACC and beyond. The goal is to mentor a young adult who is away from home, as well as provide a perspective on American culture that an international student may not experience on campus. Friends can be single individuals, couples, partners, or families with children of various ages.