God’s Comfort Found Through New Friends
When Georgia struggled to complete her PhD, she found rest and care in the home of IFI volunteers. Georgia met IFI volunteers, Mark and Sally, in Brazil several years ago and was encouraged by Mark to pursue further studies in the U.S. She was accepted as a PhD candidate in Ohio. The day she arrived, […]
New Hope Found Through Car Rides and Friendship
Ruixue found practical, emotional, and spiritual help from her new IFI friend. Before Ruixue arrived in America, she had no knowledge of Christ or God. “I had heard that many Americans are Christians, but I didn’t know what it meant to be one,” she says. She traveled from China to continue her education in the […]
A Warm Welcome Leads a Student to New Trust
New friendships upon arrival helped Sebastiano consider big questions and find answers. At first, Sebastiano didn’t want to leave Italy. He was very close to his family and his girlfriend, but his professor and classmates encouraged him to find an internship outside of the country. He finally decided to follow in his classmates’ footsteps and […]
Growing Trust to Pour Out Love in India
Modeling how to serve others helped an Indian student return home ready to love, share, and serve. Although raised in a Christian home in India, John first heard the good news while studying abroad in England. When he transferred to the U.S. two years later, it was clear God had plans to deepen his trust […]
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 […]
Sharing God’s Love With Family Back in Mexico
Coming from Mexico to the U.S. to finish his PhD was very difficult for Juan. “My fiancée and I had just broken up and I was under a lot of pressure academically. I felt completely hopeless.” Phil, an IFI worker, invited Juan to his Bible discussion repeatedly. Whenever Juan came, he “felt at peace among […]
Experiencing the Love of God Through the Love of a Family
Manman’s first experience with a local American family was a positive one, thanks to IFI volunteers Peter and Karen. “When I entered Peter’s house, his wife, Karen, welcomed me at the door, and prepared such delicious food!” Manman recalls. One of the food items was especially intriguing: “Karen made s’mores for us, which I had […]
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 […]
Caroling, Cookies, and the Meaning of Christmas
Taozhen’s relationship with an IFI volunteer family, which continues to this day, had its roots in Christmas. “I first met my host family in Medina, Ohio, via an IFI Christmas trip, back in 2009,” says Taozhen. “I was their very first international student and the family welcomed me in with open arms. They took me […]
A German Soccer Player Responds to Kindness
Matthias (left) pictured with his brother Paul above. Conversation partnerships lead to enjoyable friendship and open spiritual dialog. Matthias found America welcoming and spiritually enlightening, thanks in large part to his experience with IFI. Matthias says he always wanted to live in America. When he was offered a soccer scholarship to a Midwestern U.S. University, […]