iFriend

iFriend is a cultural exchange program where you can get involved and make new friends. International and American students are paired or grouped together to make new friends, learn from each other, and take part in cultural activities.

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 will be matched on the following criteria:

1. Gender preference.
2. Academic classification/degree level.
3. Academic major.

Expectations of Program Participation

Participants in iFriend are expected to commit to the following:

• Complete iFriend training (in eLearning) prior to participating in the program.
• Attend the iFriend kick-off at the beginning of the semester.
• Regularly meet with your iFriend on a mutually satisfactory basis.
  • During the spring 2021 semester ICP encourages iFriends to meet with their iFriend virtually and not in person.
• Attend the iFriend farewell event during the last week of the program.
• Attend at least one additional iFriend event during the semester.

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.

• Complete iFriend training (in eLearning) prior to participating in the program.
• Attend the iFriend kick-off at the beginning of the semester.
• Regularly meet with your iFriend on a mutually satisfactory basis.
  • During the spring 2021 semester ICP encourages iFriends to meet with their iFriend virtually and not in person.
• Attend the iFriend Farewell event during the last week of the program.
• Attend “Introduction to Intercultural Competence” event hosted by Intercultural Programs
• Attend at least one additional iFriend event during the semester.
• 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.

iFriends who are interested in receiving a Certificate of Participation should contact Intercultural Programs for more information.

Spring 2021

iFriend will be virtual for the spring 2021 semester. iFriend participants will have the opportunity to attend virtual or online events and participate activities with their iFriends.

Please review the Community Guidelines (PDF).

Some highlights include:

1. You may be paired with an iFriend who is currently living in a different time zone as you. When planning virtual meetings and events, please be aware of your iFriend’s time zone and make plans accordingly. Use a time zone convertor to help coordinate meetings.
2. iFriends will not be expected to meet in person, and should plan all meet ups virtually
3. All iFriends should adhere to the Student Code of Conduct

iFriend events and community discussions will be hosted in Microsoft Teams. Downloading Microsoft Teams to your desktop or laptop computer will provide the fastest access but is not required, as the events can be watched in your internet browser. The Microsoft Teams app is also recommended if you are joining from a mobile device.

Questions? Email icprograms@utdallas.edu.