OUR MISSION
Tuscaloosa International Friends is a community organization dedicated to providing opportunities for international visitors and their host families to learn more about one another. International students are able to learn more about Alabama and the United States and Tuscaloosa-area families get to learn more about other cultures.
Hear from international students about what it means to them to be part of a TIF Friendship Family:
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1972, Tuscaloosa International Friends is a community organization dedicated to providing opportunities for international visitors to learn more about life in Alabama and the United States and for Tuscaloosa-area residents to learn more about other cultures. TIF sponsors picnics, dinners, parties, a friendship family program and more.
“I was blessed to start my journey as part of the Bama family, but I was also nervous because I did not know anyone in Tuscaloosa. TIF made me feel welcome and connected me to people I have forged strong bonds with on campus.”
1173
actively enrolled international students
covering
77
countries &
territories
50/50
nearly
undergraduate &
graduate students
GET INVOLVED
Getting involved with Tuscaloosa International Friends (TIF) is a great way to meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures!
It can be difficult for international students to adjust to a new culture. Our goal at TIF is to make Tuscaloosa, Alabama, their home away from home. We want to extend caring friendship and Southern hospitality to create a memorable experience.
Volunteering to be a host family grants you the joy, privilege and experience to guide an international student through American culture. You can show them all your favorite restaurants and hiking spots, and attend annual TIF events with them.
A host family also gets the opportunity to learn all about the student’s culture. No foreign language knowledge is required, just an open mind and an open heart.
Annual TIF
Kickoff
Begin your year right at our Annual TIF Kickoff event! Held in late August, this party allows new TIF students to meet one another and make new friends in Tuscaloosa.
Sweet Home
Tuscaloosa
Attendees pre-register online on a first come, first serve basis to receive furniture items to decorate their new homes away from home. Upon registration, students will receive an email with their appointment time and additional information.
Due to COVID-19 protocol, all participants are required to wear a mask.
President's
Reception
Early on in the fall semester, TIF students and families, as well as representatives from UA's Capstone International Center, have the opportunity to meet with the president of The University of Alabama.
Sunshine
Social
Enjoy a picnic with your pals!
To close out the academic year, TIF students and families head to the scenic Camp Tuscoba to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor activities including hiking, paddle boats, fishing, beach volleyball and more.
Melting
Pot-Luck
TIF students and families come together each February for a grand shared meal. Surrounded by family and friends, TIF's scholarship program winners are also announced
The TIF Scholarship
International students who are TIF members enrolled full-time at the University of Alabama, Stillman College or Shelton State Community College will be qualified to apply for one of our 2023 scholarships. New applications will be accepted beginning December 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in Spring 2023.
The scholarships are funded by our generous donors and membership dues.
Scholarship recipients are announced during the Spring event, the Melting Pot-Luck.
