International Friendship Program

For many years at HPPC, we have demonstrated a growing commitment to diversity and love for international students at Southern Methodist University (SMU) through befriending and coming along side the development of these visiting students, expressing God’s love through friendship, hospitality, and just plain fun.

Mission

Partnering International Students and Visiting Scholars with American Friends.

Vision

We envision every International Student attending SMU to have the opportunity become a life-long friend with a member from HPPC or other partnering organization.

Values

These values are what drives our vision and all of our activity can be traced back to them:

  • Collaboration
  • Culture
  • Diversity
  • Experience
  • Friendship
  • Justice
  • Peace
  • Truth

Opportunities

There are many ways to go about making a life long friend. Here are some ways you can begin or help others to:

  • Join a weekly dinner gathering of International Students in an American home.
  • Airport pick-up for 1st-time arriving International Students.
  • Invite an International Students over for dinner in your home one or two times in a semester – especially during holidays, family occasions, or other celebrations.
  • Join the IFP Task Force to help lead and determine organizational development and strategies.
  • Coordinate, lead, or serve on a tour of American history or culture.
  • Host a night out on the town of “Big D!”
  • Professional “Tips” Forums
  • Host a Culture Observations Forum
  • Throw a Christmas Party, New Years Party, Chinese New Year Party, or other party to serve the students!

Guiding Scriptures

  • Leviticus 19:34 “The foreigner who resides with you must be to you like a native citizen among you; so you must love him as yourself…”
  • Mark 10:45 “The son of man did not come to be served, but to serve…”
  • Matthew 25:40 “…I tell you the truth, just as you have done to the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it to me.”
  • Hebrews 13:1-2 “Brotherly love must continue. Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

IFP Items (Click One):

  • IFP main webpage
  • IFP Student Application
  • IFP American Partner Application
  • IFP Operations Manual