Involvement in IFI Gave This Student Someone to Lean on
Vinicius came to the U.S. for school and soccer, but he wouldn’t have stayed without a friend. Vinicius came to the United States from Brazil in 2017 in order to follow both his passions: to study and to play soccer. When he arrived, he attended a meeting for new international students. “I decided to get […]
Student Tastes American Culture at a Local Hog Roast
Small-town hospitality made a big impression on Nicole, coming from one of China’s largest cities. Nicole transferred from a university in one of the largest cities in the world (Beijing, China – over 21 million) to continue her bachelor’s degree in a rural Ohio town, with just less than 90,000 residents. Soon after she arrived […]
Escaping From Stress and Resting in God’s Love
Friendship and support from followers of Jesus helped Sarah through stressful times and toward a life of serving others. Sarah came from Taiwan to the U.S. for her PhD in 2010. Her adjustment and studies were very difficult, and stress overwhelmed her. When she failed her PhD qualifying exam—again, she “felt worthless and helpless. I […]
Finding Warmth in the Cold, and a Home Far from Home
Vishak was introduced to IFI through a Welcome Event, where he connected with IFI interns (and international students) Dora and Smita. “Dora and Smita helped me feel at home. They even surprised me on my birthday with cake and presents! I never expected that,” says Vishak. “Smita also introduced me to other IFI interns and […]
5 Dietary Differences To Know When Feeding Internationals
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Helping Internationals Get a Grip on American Slang & Idioms
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Responding Graciously to 8 Baffling Cultural Differences
How do you respond when you are baffled by something your international student does? Karen Oliver (IFI Columbus staff) offers this advice: “Always think the best of the other person’s motives,” and “Be ready to ascribe different behaviors to different cultural orientations.” Karen shared one such experience: International guests often take a mug, plate, or […]
More to Life Than Education and Money
A Chinese researcher saw the emptiness of career and money, but didn’t know where to turn for answers. A connection with IFI led him on a remarkable spiritual journey. “I know there’s more to life than education and money. I want to know truth,” he would say
The Importance of Praying with International Families
“By prayer, we couple the powers of heaven to our helplessness… and make the impossible possible.” – O. Hallesby Without prayer, nothing happens—no glory for God, no movement of hearts toward God. Praying for internationals and their families is powerful, but praying with them requires both the faith that God hears and answers our prayers and […]
Turning Cultural Blunders into Bridges
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