Community Connections
College of the Atlantic
Friendship, support, & exchange
At College of the Atlantic, international students bring the world to our campus—and our Community Connections Program brings the local community to them.
Through Community Connections, international students are paired with local residents for friendship, support, and cultural exchange. It’s not a live-in host family program—it’s a way to make Maine feel a little more like home, one hike, dinner, or shared conversation at a time.
What is the Community Connections Program?
The Community Connections Program pairs international students with local families or individuals for casual, friendly engagement throughout the year.
- It’s informal and flexible—no housing involved, just friendship and connection.
- It’s enriching—for both students and hosts, broadening perspectives through everyday experiences.
- It’s voluntary—students and families choose how often to connect, from coffee chats to outdoor adventures.
The program is coordinated through COA’s International Student Services Office and offers a few fun events each year to help relationships grow.
My host family are the best. They help me with many, many things…even big things like homesickness. They take care of me and if I am in a problem, I know that I can count on them.
— COA International Student
Contact us
Interested or have questions? Contact Cat Fuller, Coordinator of International Student Services.
Why participate?
For students:
Participating in the program gives students the chance to form meaningful local connections that can make their transition to life in Maine feel smoother and more welcoming. It’s an opportunity to meet community members who can offer guidance, share insider tips on the best places to explore, eat, and unwind, and help students feel grounded in their new environment. Beyond practical support, students build a personal network that can become an important source of friendship and encouragement far from home.
For hosts:
For hosts, the program offers a chance to experience another culture without ever leaving the local community. By welcoming a student, hosts provide a warm introduction to life in Maine and play a meaningful role in helping them feel supported and at home. These connections often grow into genuine friendships—relationships that can enrich both the student’s and the host’s lives long after the academic year ends.
Get involved
We welcome both students and local families to join!
For students:
For host families:
Student voices
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