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 Ep 3: Cross-Cultural Friendships
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put two natural introverts on a podcast? For Episode 3 of The World at Home podcast we interview Sonia, a college student from Indonesia, who shares how she has learned to grow cross-cultural friendships in the US. Naturally an introvert, Sonia has had to grow her confidence to go outside of her comfort zone- to make others feel more at home, just like others did for her.
The World at Home Ep. 2: To Say Goodbye
Episode 2 of The World at Home podcast we interview IFI Staff member and former international student from Rwanda, Viviane about her experiences with saying goodbye and grief.
The World at Home Ep. 1: A Great Return
Welcome to The World At Home, a podcast where we will explore the incredible journeys of international students who’ve come to the U.S. to study, learn, and grow. In each episode, we’ll hear first hand stories from people who have left their home countries to the United States, now navigating new academic and/or professional, cultural, and personal landscapes.In this Episode we interview Carol from Brazil on her experience visiting home after many years.
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.
