As summer comes to a close, for some of us, so do the opportunities to travel across American borders or even the Buffalo city lines. Luckily, the Office of International Student Programs has found a way to bring the world to you. The Canisius Community Family Program provides international students with a support network within the Buffalo community while they are far away from home. Students are matched with families comprised of faculty, staff, alumni or friends of Canisius with common interests and an appreciation for cultural exchanges.
Together, families and students meet once or more a month to enjoy the sights and attractions of Buffalo, a home-cooked meal or any activity of the family’s choosing. Our past and current families have found this experience to be extremely rewarding and educational both for themselves and their family members.
We encourage families to include their student in family gatherings or outings at least once a month and to check-in with them by email, phone or text every other week. The ISP office will host two events each semester to foster communication between the participating families and students. All Canisius community families are invited to sign up and volunteer their time toward a valuable cause. Complete your application, and contact our office with any questions or concerns. Our first event will be held September 16, so mark your calendars and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
If you are interested in hearing more about the program, please contact Niki Pizzutelli by calling x2105 or emailing deckern@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Kathleen Brucato, assistant director, residence life
