Navigating newness, together
Moving to a new country comes with big changes, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. IFI’s resources are here to help you navigate life in the U.S., from practical tips and cultural insights to opportunities for connection and growth.
Blog Posts
Honest tips and insights into thriving as an International student
IFI Peoria: How to Transfer a Ministry
IFI Peoria is entering a new season…the founders are stepping back while new leaders are stepping forward. A ministry that was built on showing up to soccer games, dinner tables, and the margins of campus life is being prepared not just to survive the transition, but to grow through it.
IFI Peoria was founded by Jim and Paula Hanes, who had just returned from serving overseas in the fall of 2016, moving back to a city they already knew and their alma mater, Illinois Central College (ICC), just five minutes from their front door.
Not the Only One
Ruby* remembers the moment her plane touched down at Chicago O’Hare back in August of 2025. The cabin filled with applause, something she hadn’t known people did.
“It was as if they were clapping for me,” Ruby said. “It was so special.”
The welcome felt like a sign. What followed was harder.
Navigating the huge airport alone was a struggle; she got stuck in an elevator, spent the night at the terminal, and arrived on campus still without a US bank account. The challenges kept coming– unfamiliar technology, difficulty finding halal** food, and a roommate who was rarely around.
Finally Living the Dream
Summer* had dreamed of living in the US since she was 14 years old. After years of watching American YouTubers and feeling a quiet connection with the culture, she finally arrived in January 2024 to pursue her master’s degree at Kent State.
It wasn’t her first time in the country, as she had previously taken some trips to the West Coast that had left her charmed: the greenery, the friendly strangers, the generous portion sizes…
But moving here was different.
Podcast Episodes
Check out our podcast The World at Home to hear real stories of International students finding community
The World at Home S2. Ep 1: About Us
Have you ever wondered why we serve international students here at IFI? Or who the faces are behind the name, International Friendships Inc? For Season Two of our podcast, we thought we would share a little more about who we are! Let's not be strangers, watch this episode to learn a little more about us :)
The World at Home Ep 5: Building Community
In this episode, we meet with Samuel, an international student from India, at his house in Cleveland, Ohio to talk about Community! Make yourself some chai and join us on the couch!
The World at Home Ep 4: Facing Uncertainty
Episode 4 of The World at Home Podcast, features Bhavana, an international student from India, who opens up about the emotional ups and downs of pursuing education in a foreign country — especially when the future feels unclear. How do you face uncertainty???
Experience the hospitality of Jesus
To get connected as a student or volunteer, find a location near you.
Experience the hospitality of Jesus
To get connected as a student or volunteer, find a location near you.
