Student Exchange Program Helps Foster Understanding

A Westwood organization has brought the world to the home of Doris Gellerd Lee.

For more than 30 years, Lee has played host to students from at least 10 countries at her Los Angeles home as part of the International Student Center at UCLA’s Friendship Family Program.

“I’ve learned about the rich cultures and educations of students from China, Peru, Spain. . . . [The students] come from all over,” Lee said.

Lee, an employee at a Los Angeles bank, is hosting two students from mainland China and one student from Taiwan.

The mission of the program is to foster a greater cultural appreciation among people of various ethnic groups.

Project coordinators are seeking volunteers to introduce about 60 students to the Los Angeles area during the 1996-97 academic year.

The program matches students with families based on common interests and hobbies. Participants are not required to provide housing for the students; their only obligation is to meet with them monthly for activities including family dinners, sports events and museum visits.

The international students, ranging from undergraduate and post-doctorate levels, study at UCLA from one to five years.

Information: (310) 208-4587.