Blog Posts

Honest tips and insights into thriving as an International student

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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
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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
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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
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Podcast Episodes

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

Podcast
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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.

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Podcast
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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.

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Podcast
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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.

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