Blog Posts

Honest tips and insights into thriving as an International student

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Showing
#
to
#
of
#
What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to the U.S.
What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to the U.S.
July 1, 2025
Hello again! It’s your Japanese-Brazilian guest author, Jodie! 😁 What an honor it is to be back and have the chance to share some thoughts on my journey as an international student in the U.S. Many of these reflections might sound familiar, but I wanted to share how I experienced some of the more “obvious” Read more…
Student
Read more
Quality Over Quantity
June 5, 2025

It all started when Henri and his wife Marguerite heard about IFI through connections at their congregation in Columbus. “This couple was picking up people from around the world,” Henri said. “We got interested because we thought what a good thing for our kids to be exposed to the nations like that!” 

Volunteer
Read more
Finding Meaning in Goodbyes and Transitions
Finding Meaning in Goodbyes and Transitions
May 13, 2025
For many international students, the end of the school year comes with mixed emotions. Alongside the excitement of finishing studies or returning home is a less talked-about companion: the sadness of saying goodbye. Whether you’re leaving a place you’ve come to call “home away from home” or watching friends scatter across the globe, goodbyes are Read more…
Student
Read more
No items found.

Podcast Episodes

Check out our podcast The World at Home to hear real stories of International students finding community

Podcast
42
mins
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 :)

Play episode
Podcast
50
mins
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!

Play episode
Podcast
37
mins
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???

Play episode
No items found.