From the First Hello to Lifelong Community
Monthly Gatherings
Our Monthly Dinners are FREE and allow students to share a meal and converse with Americans. Join Our Mailing List for More Info!
Hospitality with Heart
Get Connected with Local American Families that have years of experience making Chattanooga feel like home to international students. We can't wait to help you in any way we can!
Where Global Journeys Find Local Joy
Check our event calendar
We want to be your First Friends in Chattanooga area :)
Welcome to our city, Dear International Student!. We would like to welcome you and help you to settle in. We also want to have lots of fun together and connect you to other students and Americans and help you learn more about American culture.
Why not start now?!
Asking for help is hard, but there are many Americans here that are ready and willing to help you! We just need to know how!
So, please let us know when you are planning to arrive and what you need!
How Can First Friends Help You Settle In?
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE in Chattanooga, please use our online form as soon as you can, giving your travel details, if you will need welcome services.
TO WELCOME YOU:
PICK-UP: We will be happy to pick you up by car when you arrive at Chattanooga’s airport or from a Shuttle Service, with Chattanooga as your destination, from other metropolitan airports in our region.
TO HELP YOU ADJUST TO LIFE IN CHATTANOOGA:
TRANSPORTATION: If needed, an American First Friend will drive you for your first shopping trip, applying for a driver’s license, opening a bank account, arranging cell phone service, etc.
HELP WITH ENGLISH: We offer free conversational English classes and written English paper reviews. And, all First Friends are “Conversation Partners” with you as we interact and enjoy time together. More info here.
