A Loving Community for International Wives and Moms
Isolation, loneliness, and feelings of low self-worth are common struggles faced by international women who have accompanied their families to the USA. Often, while their husbands or children are studying or working, international wives and moms find themselves at home without many opportunities to practice English or make friends. Thankfully, many American mom’s and wives […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
Include Internationals in an Easter Egg Hunt
The day before Easter, some IFI volunteers and their small groups host an Easter Egg Hunt and brunch for neighbors and their international friends. One volunteer, Nancy, says, “The Easter Egg Hunt and brunch is a great way to bring our home church together to serve and host others, including international students. It is a […]
Trusting God for a Purpose-Driven Life
God has always shown Donna and Jerry Sauder what He has for them next, and they’ve trustingly said yes. In 2016, the Sauders moved from New York State to Columbus, Ohio, where a new job awaited Jerry, who had accepted an early retirement package from his former employer. Jerry would become the CFO of a […]