RIC's Services to International Visitors

RIC's 500+ members have a wealth of experience with visitors from other countries. We have been offering hospitality and cultural orientation to international college students for 50 years. Activities and events that provide insight into American culture and people are offered to the 2,600+ international students currently studying in Rochester. In addition, our Friendship Volunteer Program pairs our members with international students to provide individual, on-going hospitality to 700 of these students.
Visitors to Rochester receive an airport greeting and brief orientation by RIC. Individuals and small groups are transported to the hotel by RIC members. Ground transportation is prearranged for large groups.

Each visitor is provided with a welcome packet with their Rochester itinerary, map, RIC/CIV phone numbers, as well as information about cultural, shopping and sightseeing opportunities, their hotel neighborhood, and restaurant menus.

All visitors travelling without an escort are transported and accompanied to and from appointments. We also provide this service to escorted visitors, if requested.

Home hospitality is extended to each visitor. Escorts are welcome to attend, or may use the opportunity for private relaxation.

RIC members will take interested visitors on shopping excursions and local sightseeing tours. In addition, we may be able to arrange trips to Niagara Falls, Corning Glass Center, and Ithaca.

The Strathallan where most of our visitors stay is an upscale hotel with personal service and many amenities. It was selected for its location in the museum and East Avenue Historic District. Nearby museums include the Rochester Museum & Science Center and Strasenburg Planetarium, Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum, Memorial Art Gallery and George Eastman House and Museum of Photography. East Avenue is an impressive street lined with towering beech trees, broad lawns and elegant buildings. It illustrates the grace and grandeur of American architecture in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Within easy walking distance of the hotel are The Avenues: Park Avenue and Monroe Avenue are trendy, colorful city streets that run parallel through a fashionable neighborhood. Charming cafes and restaurants, one of a kind boutiques, art galleries, pubs and shopping are the main attractions.

For individuals and small groups, alternative accommodations can be arranged at the Dartmouth House Bed and Breakfast in the same neighborhood. The owners who have travelled to 17 countries, welcome international guests and offer many personal amenities.

Rochester International Council
Morey Hall, Room 229, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA
phone (585) 275-8779 fax (585) 756-8086 e-mail: jw@rifc.org
Office Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday,
closed Thursday