Thank you for your interest in joining the F&M International Diplomatch Program!
There are two ways to get involved in this program:
1.) As an international student who would like to meet a mentor/ match
2.) As an F&M community member who would like to become a mentor/ match
The first step will be for F&M international students and F&M community members to sign up on the form below. In mid-October, students and community members will be notified that they have been paired with a match. The pairs are encouraged to correspond with one another via email to become acquainted prior to the in-person meeting(s) on Friday, October 23. Regularly checking and responding to the email address you provide in the form will be essential for the success of the International Diplomatch Program.
* A note - if you are an F&M community member, you may be assigned more than one student match. You can mention below if you have a preference to only have one match.
The next step will be to meet in person on October 23rd at F&M's Joseph International Center (701 College Avenue, Lancaster). There will be a formal celebration of the JIC for its 20th anniversary from 3 PM - 4 PM, and then the official Diplomatch event will be held from 4 PM - 5 PM. During Diplomatch, we will gather to enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments. This informal gathering will provide opportunities for all to get better acquainted. In an effort to ensure that matches meet, we highly suggest attending this gathering. Based on past experience, matches tend to be much more successful if you meet during this event.
* Diplomatch is considered a drop-in - you do not need to attend the full time.
After the gathering, it is up to you to decide if you would like to do more activities together. Examples from the past include participating in True Blue Weekend activities, going to lunch, or taking a walk around Lancaster city. Please note, if you choose to participate in a ticketed event you will be responsible for any ticket charges.
The International Diplomatch Program is designed to facilitate connections between community members and participants. Our hope is that you build a connection that can be fostered however you and your match choose.
******************************************************************************************
When to meet:
Diplomatch Meetup and International Coffee Hour
When: Friday, October 23, 4 PM - 5 PM
Where: Joseph International Center - 701 College Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Ongoing communication after October 23: Not required but encouraged! The International Center does not plan to create any formal follow up opportunities for the International Diplomatch program but organic ongoing communication and gatherings based on the mutual interest of the match and mentor are encouraged! If the International Center staff can be of help in establishing opportunities for connection, please let us know!
If you are interested in participating in the F&M International Diplomatch Program please complete the form below. Look for email communications from the Office of International Programs with more information prior to October 23, 2026.
********ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP BY THE DEADLINE OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2026!********