iFriend Programs
Omni folks can be part of the solution right now when the problem is so big. International students are still needing friends. Now more than ever!
Hello!
My name is Clark Eckels and I coordinate the iFriend Program at the University of Arkansas in the office of International Students & Scholars.
This fall, we have many new international students arriving in Fayetteville, and we are seeking individuals and families from across NWA who would be interested in joining the iFriend Program as Friendship Family Hosts this semester! We would be thankful if you could help spread the word amongst your network and share this opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues as well as with people in your community and congregations.
Would you be willing to share our recruitment information within your network for us? If your organization has monthly newsletters, we kindly request that you include our advertisement in your August newsletter. You may copy and paste the information below and/or share the flyer that I have attached (in .pdf and .jpg for your convenience).
We are incredibly thankful for your support. Thank you for your willingness to help our international community!
Would you like to connect with international students or scholars from the University of Arkansas? Be a friend to a someone in a new place? Show them places and things to do in NWA? Develop a new cross-cultural friendship? iFriend a great opportunity to visit with an international student or scholar once a month and learn about a new culture! iFriend is a visitation program, not a home stay program.
We connect international students and scholars with individuals & families in the NWA community. We are currently recruiting hosts for Fall 2026.
Join the iFriend Program!
It is easy to become Friendship Family Host! All you need to do is:
Complete an online application (school year commitment)
Attend an in person host orientation session (multiple options available).
More information can be found at our website, ifriend.uark.edu or you can email the iFriend Coordinator, Clark Eckels, at ifriend@uark.edu.
Clark Eckels
iFriend Coordinator
International Students and Scholars
Office: 479-718-1164
International Student and Scholars | 104 Holcombe Hall
University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR 72701