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Intercultural experiences are undoubtedly enhanced when we form new relationships while navigating an unfamiliar way of life in a different country. The University of Dayton’s (UD) International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) offers international students, faculty, staff, and community members the opportunity to partake in meaningful experiences through the International Friendship Families (IFF) program. Through this initiative, ISSS connects an international student with a staff, faculty, or community member; the pairs are then encouraged to meet up to get to know one another and explore local activities as they learn about each other's culture, traditions, and perspectives. 

For faculty member Brenda Lecklider from the Office of Learning Resources, it was a “no brainer” to participate in the IFF program, as she knew how mutually powerful intercultural relationships could be for herself and students living in another country away from their home: “Having lived abroad for 5 years in Japan, I had experienced the help of so many individuals as I adapted to a new life and became a mother for the first time (after two months in the country). My husband and I were so thankful for the richness of the experiences that we had in the various homes we were invited to visit when we were in Japan, and wanted to do something similar for international students at UD.” Brenda and her husband Mark started participating in the IFF program in 2014 as adjunct instructors in the Intensive English Program. Over the years, they have opened their home and hearts to many students from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, including a Marianist Brother from Kenya. Some of the activities they’ve been able to enjoy have included canoeing, kayaking, hiking, carving pumpkins, and making ice cream. In 2019, they hosted 13 students from Oman, Australia, China, Japan, Iraq, India, and South Korea for a Thanksgiving meal. Brenda recognizes all that her family has gained from these relationships over the years: “I have learned so much from our Middle Eastern students about the value of ‘being’ and serving others.” For Brenda, the impact of these experiences has reached beyond her immediate family. “One of the biggest blessings for me is that my parents have been able to meet people that they would never have otherwise met. This has deepened my relationship with them, as they better understand who I am,” she remarked. 

One of Brenda’s most recent IFF experiences has been with Benny Mamimpin, a visiting Fulbright Scholar from Jakarta, Indonesia who is pursuing a Master’s degree in Engineering Management here at UD. Coming to the United States for his graduate education was a dream come true for Benny: “I am the first generation in my family to have higher education. My parents always motivated me to have better education than them and to be a globally-minded citizen. Therefore, I wanted to pursue higher education abroad to explore and meet people from around the world.” The opportunity to participate in the IFF program has allowed Benny and his wife to find fellowship and community during their two-year stay in Dayton. “I wanted to learn more about American culture and share my home country's culture with an American family,” remarked Benny. “However, I got an experience that exceeded my expectations. Mark and Brenda are my second parents, and I love them so much.” Over the last year and a half, Benny and his wife Kelly have explored the greater Dayton area with Brenda and Mark through visits to Carillon Park and the Air Force Museum. More recently, Benny and Kelly organized a surprise birthday party for Mark. Benny will graduate in May of this year and hopes to find a job in the Dayton area so he can still stay in touch and spend time with Brenda and Mark. 

Georgia Mergler, Senior Associate Director of Campaign Communications in Advancement at UD, has also enjoyed the IFF program throughout this academic school year. She jumped at the chance to participate in IFF and was connected with Saeyeon, an undergraduate exchange student from South Korea who is studying Economics. Saeyeon and Georgia have connected to share lunch together and even went on a scavenger hunt with Georgia’s dog, Doogie. Georgia was also able to show Saeyeon different American dishes when they cooked a traditional Thanksgiving meal together this last fall. In addition to bonding over new food experiences and cultural activities, both Georgia and Saeyeon have been able to reflect on the similarities and differences of their two cultures: Georgia shared how she ”learned several key differences between South Korea and the U.S. through a young person’s lens. The US is more individualistic, while in South Korea, the community comes before the individual. Saeyeon has often noted that in comparison to her country, young people in the U.S. are treated more as equals with older generations, and encouraged to speak freely.” Georgia is excited to spend more time with Saeyeon in the coming months so they can continue their meaningful relationship: “Luckily, unlike most exchange students, Saeyeon is here for an entire academic year, so we plan to continue being IFF buddies and do more things together in the New Year.”  

The stories and experiences of Brenda, Benny, Georgia, and Saeyeon have shown us that meaningful intercultural spaces can take place anywhere. If you are interested in learning more about the IFF program, email isss@udayton.edu.