Overall, our experience with J.J., our international student, has been very good. He is a very personable young man who seems to be quite studious and involved in many things. He works part-time at a clothing store, as a TA for two courses at the University, and is a fashion model for a company. He is also quite involved with the African Students Association. We’ve had him over for dinner once per month since December. Below are our responses to your questions:
1. How easy was it to arrange meal times together with your student?
- It has not been a problem; we would give him several dates as options, and we seemed to be able to work out a mutually convenient time.
2. How easy or difficult was it to ensure safe passage for the student?
- We pick him up and drop him off – either from the university or his apartment, since we are about 10 minutes from either location, and the bus schedule is not as convenient where we live.
3. How often did you and the student get together in the term?
- So far, five times (once per month since December). We plan to continue to have him over once per month until June. Then we will take a break in the summer and continue in September when the university resumes. He is in his second year in the Faculty of Science.
- He would text if we have not scheduled anything or if he hasn’t heard from us at the start of the new month!
4. What was your experience of your meal time with them? Enjoyable, difficult, a learning experience for you and them, or anything else?
- Our experience has been very positive. He is easy to have a conversation with and very open to sharing about his family and his life here and growing up. He is so appreciative of the meals and offers genuine compliments. The last meal we had was Shepherd’s Pie, and he even texted the next day about how much he enjoyed the pie!
5. Do you see yourself continuing the relationship with the student as the term comes to an end?
- Yes, as stated above, we will continue having him over monthly except for July & August. We will resume in September when the university starts up again.
We have talked about our experience with others positively, hoping they might become interested in being involved. We will continue with J. into the next school year. It has been enjoyable for us to host Jason for a monthly dinner, and we look forward to continuing with him.
This is a good initiative that you started and announced at St. Timothy’s parish in November. Thank you for inviting folks like us to participate.