Bridging Cultural Prejudices with International Students
Throughout history, people have held prejudices against others from different ethnicities. The issue continues in today’s society, including among students on university campuses. Defined simply, prejudice is a preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience. Prejudice can lead to discrimination, hatred, and even hostility. Subtle forms of intolerance may also occur, such as […]
Tips for Connecting Online with Students Overseas
Have you experienced the joys of getting to know international students during their campus stay – and the sadness when they return to their home country? Yet do you struggle with long-distance communications, like many? The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly shown the value of online communications. We caught up with experienced IFI staff and volunteers […]
If God Says Go: Hosting Internationals in the Midst of COVID-19
Volunteers Gary and Silvia showed hospitality during COVID-19. The table was set and delicious smells wafted through the house as Silvia’s family sat down to share a table prayer with their new international friends. This dinner party probably looked very much like other IFI friendship dinners: two international students and three Americans sitting around a […]
Help Your International Friends Identify Cults
Much of this article is based on “Distinguishing Between Christianity and Cults,” a pamphlet written by Rich Mendola, CEO of IFI. — For many international students, studying in the United States presents them with the first real opportunity to study the Bible. As they are invited by various people to study the Bible, it is […]
“Dinner After Dark” – Serving Muslim Students During Ramadan
[fusion_alert type=”general” accent_color=”#808080″ background_color=”#ffffff” border_size=”” icon=”” text_align=”left” text_transform=”normal” dismissable=”no” box_shadow=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””] With the current situation of COVID-19, an in-person event like “Dinner After Dark” may not be possible. How could you support your Muslim friends during Ramadan online this year instead? [/fusion_alert] Location Update: Cleveland, Ohio Since 2014, IFI […]
A Conversation that Led to Many Introductions
One of the most rewarding ways volunteers can get involved in IFI is by requesting an international student to befriend and meet with on a regular basis to practice English. Sometimes these relationships will lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities for volunteers to share God’s love. When Nathan Persons in Columbus, Ohio signed up to […]
A Last-Minute Decision Turned into a Life-Changing Step
Mei kept hearing how awesome the Vision Conference would be. She didn’t realize God would use it to open her heart to Him. Mei* came to the U.S. from China a year ago to double major in Sociology and International Relations. Her knowledge of God was limited. “At that time, I was just playing the […]
Hosting a Halal Thanksgiving
Have you ever wondered how to share a holiday with international students in a culturally sensitive way? Some IFI volunteers in Columbus, Ohio took a step of faith last year and did just that by inviting some Muslim students to a halal Thanksgiving celebration in their home. Here are some tips that helped them create […]
3 Hints for Holiday Hosting
During school breaks and holidays, while their American peers go home to be with family, many international students will remain on campus. Being away from family and homeland can be hard enough for an international student. Breaks often serve as additional reminders that they are a foreigner in a foreign land. Leviticus 19:34 tells how […]
Making the Most of Your Life Stage
Refilling the empty nest Peter and Karen Huling are empty-nesters who desire to serve the Lord in this new stage of their lives. With their two children out of the home, Peter and Karen realized it was time to “reinvent themselves” and determine what to do with the next step of their lives. They became […]