iFriend
iFriend is a cultural exchange program where you can learn about how to interact with someone from another culture, make new friends, and be ready to work with global teams after graduation. Students are paired or grouped together and take part in intercultural training and cultural events.
Registration
Registration runs January 21 (10am CT) – January 31 (5pm CT) | Email icprograms@utdallas.edu
Program Objectives
- Demonstrate awareness of personal strengths, weaknesses, interpersonal style and behavioral tendencies, and how they impact others.
- Demonstrate a willingness to explore different ideas, values, norms and behaviors.
- Demonstrate interest in other cultures and the people who live them.
- Demonstrate the ability to respectfully interact with diverse populations and build relationships with people from other cultures.
How it Works
Registration for iFriend opens on the first day of the new semester. Registration for iFriend does not guarantee acceptance. iFriends may be matched on the following criteria:
- Gender preference.
- Academic classification/degree level.
- Academic major.
Expectations of Program Participation
Participants in iFriend are expected to commit to the following:
- Complete iFriend training prior to participating in the program (only first-time program participants).
- Attend the iFriend Kick-Off event at the beginning of the semester.
- Meet regularly with your iFriend on a mutually satisfactory basis.
- Attend “Introduction to Intercultural Competence” event and at least one other Intercultural Programs (ICP) in-person event during the semester.
- Attend the iFriend Farewell event during the last week of the program.
- Comply with Student Code of Conduct.
Certificate of Participation
iFriend participants have the opportunity to receive a certificate of participation by meeting the requirements listed below. The Certificate of Participation shows your involvement and dedication in the program and gives participants a document detailing their participation. iFriends can email ICPrograms@utdallas.edu for more information and for the form to apply for the Certificate of Participation.
- Complete iFriend training prior to participating in the program.
- For first-time program participants only
- Attend the iFriend kick-off at the beginning of the semester.
- Regularly meet with your iFriend on a mutually satisfactory basis.
- Attend “Introduction to Intercultural Competence” training hosted by Intercultural Programs.
- Attend at least one Intercultural Programs (ICP) in-person event during the semester.
- Attend the iFriend Farewell event during the last week of the program.
- Compose a written reflection piece of your experience in the program using any 2 program objectives as prompts. Reflection pieces should be between 100-200 words.
Spring 2025
iFriend participants will have the opportunity to attend in person events and participate in activities with their iFriends.
Some highlights include:
- iFriends will achieve all or some of the objectives of the iFriend program, enhancing their intercultural competence.
- iFriend can choose to meet in person or virtually based on their availability.
- iFriends will be able to participate in customized events throughout the semester.
- iFriends will have the opportunity to obtain the iFriend Certificate upon completion of program’s criteria.
| Event | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| iFriend Program Training (first-time participants only) | February 5-7 | Online |
| Kick-Off & Welcome | February 17, 3:00-5:00pm | Student Services Annex (SSA) Gaming Wall |
| Intercultural Competency Training & Luncheon | February 27, 12:00-2:00pm | Student Union (SU) Galaxy A and B |
| Farewell Dinner | April 18, 3:00-5:00pm | Student Services Annex (SSA) Gaming Wall |