Friendship Foundation for International Students

Notes from the Chair Through the years, I have witnessed the ebb and flow that nonprofits like the Friendship Foundation have endured here in Eugene. The financially leaner years after the Great Recession forced our organization to find new ways to fund our programs and services. It also tested our commitment to our mission of… Read more

Douffy Youm from Senegal was an FFIS homestay student many years ago.  He graduated and worked his way up to become an executive at Nike in Portland, but still kept in touch with his FFIS host family. The family hosted four University of Oregon international students prior to the fall term.  One of the students… Read more

FFIS’ Conversation Friend Program is a unique opportunity for volunteers to connect with a University of Oregon international student during the student’s first year in Eugene. The student and volunteer are matched on the basis of shared interests. They meet for around one hour per week in a public setting. What the volunteer and student choose to do… Read more

The UO academic year has started and so are FFIS’ programs. It’s time for an update on our activities. Fundraiser: Hop Valley Brewing is donating $1 to FFIS for every pint served between 5:00 and 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 16.  Invite a friend, enjoy a craft beer, and help FFIS raise money.  Hop Valley… Read more

The FFIS Homestay Program matches University of Oregon international students with local community volunteers for a short-term homestay when the student first arrives in Lane County. Volunteers open their hearts and home to young adults far from home, helping them to get oriented and settled. Homestay families have created many fond memories for the students that they’ve… Read more

The FFIS Homestay Program matches University of Oregon international students with local community volunteers for a short-term homestay when the student first arrives in Lane County. Volunteers open their hearts and home to young adults far from home, helping them to get oriented and settled. Homestay families have created many fond memories for the students that they’ve… Read more