Volunteer

Explore how you can serve, today

Welcome and befriend international students from around the world, right here on your own doorstep!

Each location’s processes vary, but we generally follow this simple 4-part model:

1) Application, 2) Background Check, 3) Training, 4) Mobilized!

Apply Now

We're excited to have you serve international students with us! Choose your city below to launch the application.

You will be redirected to the selected city's IFI website.

Already a volunteer, or just curious what's going on? Choose your city below to connect with a local leader and find out how you can get involved!

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Photo of volunteer with student at airport

I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed meeting these international students, even though I had never been to another country before. 

Jim (volunteer in Columbus, Ohio)

Get Involved, Locally

Contact a Location

Volunteer opportunities vary by location.

Airport Pickup & Temporary Housing

Students often arrive in the U.S. alone, and take a taxi, shuttle or public transportation to their dorm. There is much to figure out and take in when they enter a new country, and you could be their first American friend who welcomes them! IFI matches incoming students with American volunteers who will greet them at the airport and either take them to their dorm or host them at their home. These first friendships often are highly impactful for the student and have potential to last for many years.

Conversation Partners

Three of the biggest felt needs of international students, scholars, and their families are 1) improve English skills, 2) help understand and adapt to American culture, and 3) overcome loneliness. As a Conversation Partner, you are already naturally gifted to help in all of these areas. By simply meeting over coffee, food, or an activity, you can help international students feel at home and improve their ability to navigate day-to-day conversations.

Conversation Partners

Three of the biggest felt needs of international students, scholars, and their families are 1) improve English skills, 2) help understand and adapt to American culture, and 3) overcome loneliness. As a Conversation Partner, you are already naturally gifted to help in all of these areas. By simply meeting over coffee, food, or an activity, you can help international students feel at home and improve their ability to navigate day-to-day conversations.

Bible Discussion Groups

Many students who visit the U.S come from different religions (or no religion) and are interested to read the Bible and learn what Christians believe. Join an existing group, or start your own with your international friends. IFI encourages volunteers to use the Discovery Bible Study method in these groups to help international students better comprehend and interact with the content. Bible discussion groups require no previous knowledge for participants.

Holiday Meal Hosting

Add some international flavor to your holiday celebration by inviting an international student to share your holiday meal. Whether Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or another holiday, this is a fantastic opportunity to show hospitality to students who may never visited an American home. Students are eager to learn the true meaning of these holidays and to experience time around American families.

Holiday Meal Hosting

Add some international flavor to your holiday celebration by inviting an international student to share your holiday meal. Whether Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or another holiday, this is a fantastic opportunity to show hospitality to students who may never visited an American home. Students are eager to learn the true meaning of these holidays and to experience time around American families.

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