American Studies Program 2012 CATALOG - Tokyo International ...

Tomodachi "Friendship" Program
Community members may volunteer to be a “friendship family” for the time that the ASP
students are in Salem. An orientation program for the families and students is held. Then,
at a “matching dessert,” families are introduced to students.
This is not a homestay program. It is a friendship program. Students and families are encouraged
to meet together at least once per month. There are several activities scheduled
during the year to which the families and students are invited. Families are also invited to
the closing ceremonies at the end of the year.
This program is optional. If a student signs up to participate in the “tomodachi”, the student
must allow time in his/her schedule to participate in the events that the family plans.
There is an assignment sheet that each participant must complete during the year. Assignments
include telephoning your family, e-mailing your family, inviting your family to lunch
or dinner at ASP, etc. It is also important for you to invite your family to various ASP/WU
events.
There are many kinds of “American families”: one parent with children, an older single
woman, older people whose children are grown, young couples who do not have children,
or young single people who live in an apartment, and of course, the family of two parents
and children.
Many Tomodachi program participants enjoy having two students, so some of the students
may share a Tomodachi.
Many Americans do not smoke so students are asked to not smoke in their Tomodachi’s
home unless they permit it.
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