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 […]
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 […]
“Dinner After Dark” – Serving Muslim Students During Ramadan
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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 […]
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 […]
Families Grow Close Through Fall Fun
What started as a conversation partner match has grown into a deep and precious friendship for a visiting Turkish family. Bora and his wife, Mine, were excited to travel to the U.S. They knew living in a new country would be hard in the beginning, but they looked forward to the challenge. They arrived from […]
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 […]
How to Practice Reverse Hospitality
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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 […]