AMIS is the French word for "friends" and symbolizes our mission to promote cultural and global understanding through friendship and hospitality with international college/graduate students and scholars. Students from all over the world come to Atlanta each year to study at Georgia Tech, Emory, Georgia State, Spelman, Kennesaw State, and many others. AMIS welcomes and connects them with local American friends and families throughout metro Atlanta and provides a wonderful opportunity to connect to the world through an international friend.
This program matches an international student with a volunteer in the local community for friendship and sharing of cultures. Your support can help an international student in their adjustment to American life, language, and culture, as well as enrich your understanding of the world. We have a variety of different friendship opportunities available: year-long, semester-long, one-time meetings, and other short-term opportunities.
This is a flexible volunteer opportunity. You can arrange when and where to meet your international student friend. Most students don't have a car, so it's usually convenient for them to meet near their university campus. We ask that you meet twice per semester in person and check in with your student once a month via call/text/email.
Watch our video to learn more: 46th Annual Welcome Reception