For many ISU students, the first few steps on campus can be intimidating.

For international students who find themselves in a different culture, language is yet another barrier to overcome.

Friendships International is an organization that gives international students the opportunity to experience U.S. culture firsthand, said Virginia McCallum, international education services student adviser.

The program pairs international students with families in the Ames community and gives them a taste of what it is like to take part in American holidays, customs and traditions.

The students live in dorms or apartments around the area, McCallum said, but they get together with the families for special events and holidays.

Families and students fill out applications about their interests. Applications are compared and matches are made.

“We try to match the interests of both groups,” McCallum said. This process allows families and students the opportunity to find out what they have in common, she said.

About 50 students participate in Friendships International, said Heidi Dorr, program assistant for the Intensive English and Orientation Program. However, every year there are more students than families that join the program. As a result, many families will pair with more than one student.

After pairings are made, students and families meet for an initial get-together.

Karol Crosbie, communication specialist for the Alumni Association, has been involved with the program for the past three years. She was paired with students from India and Korea.

“The things we had in common were the surprising things,” she said. “It’s a great program, and I really recommend it.”

Many relationships go beyond the traditional family dinner and holidays. Crosbie said she has taken her students to events the family and student find mutually interesting.

“It’s a very pleasant experience,” McCallum said. “Some people become quite close for years.”

Applications for both students and families are available at International Education Services in 4 Hamilton Hall, or call 294-1120. Applications are due by Sept. 17.

“It’s a very neat thing to combine international students with local families,” Dorr said.