Virtual Neighbors Program for International Students
The Virtual Neighbors Program, sponsored by the Office of International Education (OIE), facilitates connections between Carnegie Mellon University international students, administrators and staff, so that we can all deepen our connections to the CMU community and learn about each other's experiences. Because some participants might perfer to meet virtually, OIE has adapted the Host Family Program to a virtual experience: participants meet over Zoom, email or phone to share their experiences, opinions, information about their home towns and families, and to contribute to weekly slide shows containing photographs and ice-breaker questions.
Because of the high volume of interest, Virtual Neighbors matches are made by lottery. The Virtual Neighbors Program creates a community in which we can all learn and grow together and expand our cultural horizons.
How It Works
- International students and other members of the CMU community apply for the program on the OIE website by filling in a brief Google form and signing a release. If you’re a student, you’ll fill out a Student Application and sign the Student Release. If you're not a student, you'll fill out a Participant Application and sign the Participant Release. Community members might request more than one student to meet. Depending on demand, students might be matched with other students. This virtual neighbor commitment is for one academic year.
- Virtual get-togethers via Zoom or other preferred mode of communication would take place once a month at mutually convenient times. The participants would work these dates and times out amongst themselves and agree to schedule their meet-ups in Eastern Standard Time. To get the discussions started, everyone will be provided monthly "Conversation Kits," containing thought-provoking questions and silly topics that should help break the ice.
To Participate as an International Student
If you would like to be matched with a local family or fellow student, please take a few moments to complete the following application process. We urge you to provide us with details that will let us know about your interests and the type of family with whom you feel would be most compatible. We ask you to be flexible with your expectations as we seek the best match for you. Please note that the number of students who can be matched will depend on the number of other participants who volunteer.
To apply:
- Questionnaire. Complete and submit the Google form questionnaire.
- Student Participant Release. Complete the Virtual Neighbors release (PDF) and electronically sign it, or print, sign and scan the form and then email it to hostfamily@andrew.cmu.edu.
To Participate as a Virtual Host
If you would like to be matched with a Carnegie Mellon University student, please take a few moments to complete the following application process. We urge you to provide us with details that will let us know about your interests and the type of student with whom you feel would be most compatible. We ask you to be flexible with your expectations as we seek the best match for you.
Please submit the following:
- Questionnaire. Complete the Google form questionnaire.
- Participant Release. You may complete the release (PDF) and electronically sign it; or print, sign and scan the form and then email it to hostfamily@andrew.cmu.edu.