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 […]
Why Me, A Stranger?
Beatrice* was born and raised in South Asia, and from a young age, she carried a question: Which God is for me? Determined to find answers, she asked friends and family and even created a plan to follow a different god each month. After years of searching without any results, she gave up and began […]
How Can I Make Sure?
In the fall of 2024, Fiorella arrived in Columbus from Peru, stepping into a brand-new chapter of life at OSU. Just one day after landing, she stopped by an IFI table on campus, where she was warmly welcomed by students and staff from Latin America. It didn’t take long for her to find her place, […]
God-sent People
Coby* almost didn’t come to the United States. When a college recruiter from America showed up in South Asia during his undergrad, Coby assumed it was a scam. But his mom believed before he did; she bought all his winter gear before he was even accepted. That kind of faith runs in the family. Coby […]
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 […]
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 […]
Creating Home Away from Home: Living in an International Community
When Simon* moved from South Asia to the U.S. in the summer of 2022, he expected academic challenges. What he didn’t expect was how much living in a cross-cultural community would shape him. Back home, life was naturally communal; the majority of his family lived nearby, friends and neighbors were always dropping in, and shared […]
Understanding Visas: How to Support International Students Beyond Paperwork
Disclaimer: This is intended solely as an informational guide to help you and international students navigate conversations regarding visas. This should not be taken as professional legal advice. If you are asked for advice from a student, please refer them to professional help. Additionally, IFI does not provide legal services to students. Staff shall not […]
Just the Beginning
When Nat arrived in Ohio from Thailand as an international student, he held excitement and nerves in both hands. Like many students new to the U.S., he wondered how he would adjust to life in a new country. “I was nervous about making friends and finding my way,” Nat remembered. Those worries began to ease […]
Leaning on Love
Priscilla* arrived in Cleveland from South Asia in August of 2024 to begin her master’s degree in Information Systems. While she had traveled internationally before, this move felt different. Those first days were hard. Most students hadn’t arrived yet, classes hadn’t started, and the loneliness set in quickly. “I remember calling my dad and crying,” […]