We’re excited to share that the UT Austin Friendship Program has returned for the 2025–2026 academic year. After months of planning and outreach, the program is making a highly anticipated return.
This year’s participants feature more than 60 community hosts from across Austin along with over 120 international students and scholars. Together, they will build connections through cultural exchange, shared experiences, and the kinds of everyday conversations and outings that help make Austin feel like home. The Friendship Program has a long history at The University of Texas at Austin. For decades, it has helped connect students from around the world with Austin community members who want to welcome them, share local traditions, and learn from international perspectives. By reviving the program this year, we’re not only restoring a valued tradition but also reimagining it for today’s students, who face unique opportunities and challenges as they adjust to life in a new country.
Friendship Program Kickoff | September 13
To launch the program, we held a kickoff event in September at Pease Park. Guests enjoyed a classic Austin breakfast of breakfast tacos while mingling in a relaxed outdoor setting. For many, this was the first time meeting their partners face- to- face, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement, curiosity, and plenty of smiles. The kickoff created an opportunity for casual introductions while also setting a tone of openness and genuine connection that will carry through the year.
A Perfect Match
When forming pairs, we take time to ask both hosts and students about their hobbies, interests, and preferences. We use these details to guide our matches so that participants have shared ground to begin building their relationships. Some pairs connect over a love of music or sports, while others bond through cooking, hiking, or exploring new restaurants. While no pair is identical, this thoughtful approach makes it easier for conversations to flow naturally and for friendships to grow.
Even though the kickoff was only a few weeks ago, we have already heard stories of students and hosts meeting beyond the program’s planned events. Some pairs have discovered new coffee shops together, while others have explored Austin’s trails, strolled through farmers’ markets, or tried food trucks in different neighborhoods. These experiences highlight what makes the Friendship Program unique — it encourages people to connect in simple, everyday ways that create lasting memories.
A World of Impact
The program is about more than introductions. It is about building a supportive community where international students feel welcomed and valued. For students and scholars, having a local host can ease cultural transitions, provide practical guidance, and offer the warmth of friendship in a new place. For hosts, the program offers an opportunity to learn about other cultures, expand their worldview, and share their love of Austin with someone experiencing it for the first time.
We extend our sincere thanks to the hosts, students, ISSS staff, and volunteers who made this revival possible. Your enthusiasm and commitment give life to the program and create a sense of belonging that benefits everyone.
If you are a community member interested in joining, there is still time to get involved — please email us at intercultural@austin.utexas.edu to learn more about becoming a host.
Looking Ahead
As the year unfolds, we look forward to more stories of friendship: shared meals, walks through Austin’s neighborhoods, cultural celebrations, and meaningful conversations that span generations and backgrounds. These connections remind us that the University is not only a place of learning but also a place of community.
Here’s to a year full of friendships, stories, and new beginnings. Welcome back, Friendship Program!
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, Program Coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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