From 1 Student to 50: God’s Faithfulness in Lancaster
It can be scary to establish an IFI location from scratch. “Where does one even begin?” That’s what Kasey Smith, now IFI Lancaster Ministry Leader, was asking himself once he moved from Guatemala to Pennsylvania in January of 2023. Launching the location was little more than a dream– a hopeful prayer for a community that […]
From Isolation to Inspiration
Johnny left his home in Asia in 2022 to pursue his master’s in electrical engineering at the University of Dayton. It was his first time flying by himself and his first time going to the US; he was nervous but eager. Once he landed, he took an Uber to the university. While driving along the […]
Simply IFI: Three Defining Words
As members of the modern world, an abundance of needs and service opportunities are constantly pulling at our attention. Help here! Give there! Join this or that cause! In this cloud of requests, why choose International Friendships? What sets us apart? At International Friendships, Inc. (IFI), we’re constantly reminded of the profound simplicity of God’s […]
Growing in Grace
Kakeru’s journey from Japan to the U.S. began in August of 2023, as he’d decided on a study abroad program in Oregon. His dream of living in the States trumped his anxiety; but when the realities of moving sank in, Kakeru’s confidence quickly faded. “Things weren’t going well,” Kakeru shared. “I was filled with so […]
Helping as She’d Been Helped
In 2024, Trazzy, originally from Kenya, moved from her university in Turkey to attend Purdue. As she tried settling in, she was quickly faced with challenges. “As an international student, it takes time to find your place,” Trazzy explained. “Housing was an issue and I also struggled with the individualism.” Researching options, Trazzy remembered she’d […]
Welcomed into an Eternal Family
Amy* arrived in Florida from Asia in August of 2023. Although familiar with the culture in the U.S., as she’d done one year of undergrad in Michigan, she still experienced loneliness. “I often felt homesick,” Amy said. “It’s hard to connect with others in your second language, even more so when you’re an introvert. It […]
From Arizona to Home to Cali to Christ
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For This Very Reason
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Campus Moms to the Rescue!
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Beyond the Bike Trail
When Luke, an enthusiastic IFI volunteer from Columbus, proposed a bike trip to three international students in the summer of 2023—Shane, Brandon, and Aaron*—it seemed like the perfect opportunity for adventure. “The plan was simple,” Luke said. “We’d ride from London to Loveland, Ohio, and back, covering about 150 miles over two days.” Each of […]