Volunteer Opportunities

  • 7/20-7/22 Host an African Student for a Weekend

    The Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) is excited to offer individuals and families the opportunity to participate in an international program this summer, as homestay hosts for a weekend!

    UConn's GTDI will welcome 20 college student leaders from Africa to participate in a five-week program to learn about the U.S. and social entrepreneurship.  The students will then apply the skills learned in the program to address challenges back in their home countries.  The Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.  This program for student leaders (https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/study-us-institutes-student-leaders) aims to strengthen leadership development in areas of social entrepreneurship.  All of the students in the program are fluent in English and were selected by the U.S. Department of State.

    Throughout the program, students live in on-campus housing, with the exception of a weekend homestay. GTDI is seeking families and individuals to host 1-2 students each for a "homestay" weekend, beginning Friday evening, July 20th through Sunday afternoon/evening July 22nd (if you have a schedule conflict: alternative pick up on Saturday morning, alternative drop off on Monday morning options are available).  The goal of the homestay is for students to experience U.S. culture by seeing how residents live and spend their leisure time in this country.

    The homestay is a unique cross-cultural opportunity to learn about regions in Africa and to develop new friendships. Please contact Kaitlin Troy at kaitlin.troy@uconn.edu or 860-486-0873 if you would like to sign up to host, or if you have questions. Thank you for your interest!

    For more information, contact: UConn GTDI at 860-486-0873