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
Where the World Comes to the Table: IFI Cleveland Update
For over 15 years, IFI Cleveland has been waiting at the door when international college students step off the plane, often disoriented, jet-lagged, and without so much as a meal plan or a city bus pass. That initial welcome has quietly become the heartbeat of everything the ministry does.
DJ Bradley, IFI staff member who joined the team in 2021, has watched that evolution up close. The first point of contact is simple yet effective: a welcome dinner and driving them to Walmart. It sounds small, but ask the students– it’s the kind of thing that earns trust in ways a flyer or a campus event never could.
Learning to Cross Cultures at Home
Lea is a second-year student at Corban University studying intercultural education. She is originally from Washington State, grew up in a military family, and has already lived more cross-culturally than most people twice her age: a gap year in Papua New Guinea, coasts crossed, cultures navigated.
When Dawnita, IFI Salem leader, came to speak at one of her classes about IFI, it felt like a natural next step.
But natural didn’t mean easy.
15 Fun & Frugal Ways to Spend Time with Your International Friends
Have you felt stuck in your ministry to international students due to the lack of resources and/or ideas? Our friend and IFI staff member in Muskingum, Katie Pozzuoli, shared this fun article with us to help our trusty volunteer community. Continue reading for some inspiration!
At Muskingum University, the bread and butter of our ministry to international students is our Friendship Family program (many of our IFI locations use the term “Conversation Partner”). We are a small school, and connecting every interested student with a local family is the key to fulfilling IFI’s mission “to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus.”
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.
