Thanks to IFP, I found a community that became family. Moving to a new country and starting at a new school can feel overwhelming, but IFP turned that challenge into an adventure. From the first event, I felt embraced and welcomed, and soon enough, I wasn’t just meeting new people but friends. The warmth, support, and genuine connections made me feel like I belonged, and it wasn’t long before the unfamiliar started feeling like home.
IFP became more than just a community; it became my safe space, a place where I could be myself and grow. The friendships I formed gave me the encouragement I needed to navigate the ups and downs of being in a new environment. I will always be grateful for the family I found through IFP—it truly made all the difference.
Amazing experience, getting to meet lot of international friends. Everyone is so friendly and nice and makes me feel like home. Special thanks to photographer Carol.
I had awesome time because of IFI members and their planning!!!! I'm from Japan, and for me it was first time to stay in States.
They took us Niagara falls. We could feel the huge waterfall. It was cold but super fun!!!!
2nd and 4th photo are game night. Participants put a sticker with their name on it on their clothes. So it's easy to remember name. Normally, we eat dinner together, and play games. I had never played Sequence before, but now it's become such a favorite game that I'm thinking of buying it in Japan too.
For Halloween, we all made jack-o-lanterns. Each team had a pumpkin, and we came up with a design and made it together. It was very fun because it showed our individuality. At the end, we lit up everyone's pumpkins and ranked them.
I only stayed 4 months, but , I could go back to Japan with tons of memories. I'm only writing about a few of them here, but I have so many memories that I can't even include all the photos and stories here.
Thankful all of the IFI members. These memories and experiences would be the best my life!!!!
I had a fantastic experience with IFI last semester, and it made me feel like I could feel at home even when I was away from my "real home." Thank you for everything!
ifi help international students for knowing more about God and support cultural engagement with students around the world.
I'm student from Japan and I stayed in the U.S for 4months. IFI took me to Niagara falls, organized picnic at a great park, and we played several games with them and other international students! During Thanksgiving, they seriously told to us about U.S and Christian history, which made me like them even more and grow fond of U.S . It was truly valuable experience for me as an international student!
I am especially grateful to one of the volunteers. She sang for us with her beautiful voice and always listened to the stories of us international students with so much kindness. I truly appreciate her. Thank you so much!
I’ve participated in many events with IFI, and it has given me the opportunity to connect with so many people. One of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting Niagara Falls—it was truly one of the best moments of my life! I also have great memories of sharing meals and playing games with everyone at City View Church. I’m so grateful for the welcoming community that IFI has created.
IFI has been incredibly helpful to me while living in the US (Cleveland, Akron, OH). The volunteers at IFI have provided me with lots of necessary suggestions for living here. For example, they have helped me find where to buy food at a reasonable price and advised me on places to visit or avoid for safety reasons. Moreover, there are lots of activities where you can connect with native people and international students. I am very lucky that I found this organization in the first week I came here. I will share these good memories with other international students and support them in joining activities at IFI.
Hello! I first learned about international student ministry at a Perspectives missions class at our church. My husband & I were excited with the opportunity for international missions in a season we couldn’t leave the US.
My first IFI introduction was a Fourth of July picnic. I played softball and ate burgers with international college students & realized the students were just like our own college age kids in so many ways.
Over the next 12 years my husband & I became more involved with IFI. Filling practical needs like grocery shopping was satisfying but being able to share life - holidays, birthdays, family - with these students was/is life changing. It is the door to show the love of Jesus by our actions. Often it - by God’s grace- further opens the door in a student’s heart to know more about Jesus.
All along the way we have been grateful for the example, guidance and support from the “Home Office” of IFI in Columbus, Ohio. Their faithfulness to God in serving the nations is evidenced in many layers. Offering the volunteers & staff ongoing training for understanding cultural & religious nuances of our students, transparency in the necessary business operations of a large charitable entity, and with that cultivating respectful relationships with the secular universities whose international students we serve.
This “summary” of my thoughts of being part of the IFI family is perhaps longer than requested lol! All of this speaks to the confidence & joy my husband & I have found serving God going to the nations with IFI.
I know it is possible for literally any follower of Jesus to join in too. Thanks!
IFI is where international students like me feel welcome and belong in the U.S., where we come to study far away from home, and the essentials of the IFI are to share the Gospel and the love of God with international students.
IFI has been God’s answered prayer to me. I came to Cleveland almost 3 yrs ago for grad school. The first semester was extremely challenging due to all the adjustments I had to make ( I.e., learning, the food & weather). I soon realized building a community in a different culture wasn’t going to be easy. BUT God. IFI to me has been a place where I; get seen, can be my self, meet others going through similar experiences and learn new cultures.
I thank God for raising people dedicated to serving in this ministry. To all the volunteers and those serving full time; thank you so much for all you do! Thank you for being “Jesus in skin” to the international community.
Katongo(Petronella)-
If you've been discouraged by news media reports from college campuses, let me invite you to read a different narrative.
In August 2023, my friend asked me to provide emergency, temporary housing for a student arriving that day, from India. Little did I know, my "yes" would be life changing in the best way.
Over the course of 5 days, I simply treated her as I hoped someone would treat my own daughter if she were stranded in a foreign country. Despite the setbacks she faced: staying with a family she had never met before, learning her grandfather was hospitalized after she boarded the airplane in India, lost luggage, a closed bank account, and finally, placed in an apartment previously occupied by a tenant with a drinking problem and an incontinent dog--and the apartment hadn't been cleaned... Despite all that... we actually had a great time getting to know each other!
I was blessed to be able to help her, and even more blessed to spend time with such an absolutely delightful person. She was blessed to know she wouldn't face all those challenges alone. When we finally resolved the issues and successfully moved her into a different apartment, we both felt the pangs of the "empty nest" but we were grateful to know, we were now part of a community.
A few weeks later, I attended my first IFI gathering. I met more students from 10 other countries. We ate together, played games and engaged in thought provoking conversations. The students appreciated a positive environment and an opportunity to socialize with American families and other Internationals. One student from Azerbaijan said she felt like she was "coming home."
My eyes were opened to challenges faced by International students, and their longing for connection. So, I made myself available as a "Campus Mom," hosting tea parties, and taking students out for coffee or dinner to check in.
I've had great conversations with self professed atheists, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. We've celebrated holidays together, many have attended church with me, and know I'm a safe place to go if they need support. I've helped students move, and they've moved me with their stories, culture, art and friendship.
They know I love them because Jesus first loved me, and we have become a community built on mutual love and respect. I am so grateful to know these young people and I’m excited to see the good things yet to come!
IFI is the ministry that God used to reset my life on a path pursuing Him after years of being a prodigal. The leadership, especially in Grand Rapids, are hardworking and deeply nurturing individuals who are invested in the lives of the masses they serve. I came to the ministry with the desire to serve, and I found lifelong relationships and a deeper desire to pursue love and intimacy with God. If I could put it shortly, the heartbeat I’ve experienced in this organization is regular people throughout the world developing intimacy with one another in the arms of the Father. I’ve been truly blessed to be apart of such a beautiful and life-giving ministry, I would turn back time just so I could’ve joined sooner
Met my beautiful fiancée who also volunteered for IFI too!
Being changed environment is always not easy for everyone. When I first moved here, it was also not easy for me. But, I could meet IFI and got a lot of help and made various international friends. Hang out with friends in IFI made me feel happy whenever I had hard time like exams, grade. Also, I could make my English skills better and broaden my perspective and knowledge globally through activities created by IFI.
All experiences in Ohio was so special to me, which made me feel that Ohio is my second home. Actually, this time I just came to visit here to see my friend but, I could meet new friends in IFI game night. Everyone in there were nice and kind so I thought I am really glad to join this community!
Thank you for everyone was in there!
It was warm memory for me!
I have really enjoyed being part of IFI because the people there love unconditionally regardless of your religious background, ethnicity, political affiliation etc. Being part of IFI has been a huge blessing in that I felt known, loved and welcomed by a community of people who were different from me. Every person desires to belong no matter what their background is, and IFI seeks to know people and love them like Jesus does and I have experienced just that! am so grateful for this ministry and all that they do for international students.
I would like to express my immense gratitude to International Friendship (IFI) in Columbus, Ohio. During the nine months that my wife and I spent in the USA, we actively participated in the activities and programs offered by IFI, and this made a significant difference in our overseas experience.
IFI is more than an organization that welcomes international students; it is a welcoming family that offers support, friendship, and a meaningful connection to the local community. The Bible studies helped us grow spiritually, while the cultural events allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich diversity of cultures represented in the IFI community.
Additionally, we made many friendships! The IFI team was incredibly generous and helpful, always ready to assist and ensure we felt at home. They helped us with our challenges, from rides to go shopping to getting furniture for our home, and also with the English language itself.
Thanks to IFI, we not only improved our English through conversations with natives but also made lasting friendships that we will carry with us for a lifetime. I highly recommend IFI to all international students who wish to have an enriching experience in the USA.
Thank you very much, IFI, for everything you have done for us. You are truly special!
IFI really helped me a lot when I first came to Columbus. I did not know anyone before coming to Columbus. IFI connected me with a host family to provide temporary housing and help me to settle down. My host Ellin is great! She prepared all different types of food for me when I stayed with her, and she even cooked Chinese food for me. I was so touched by her heart and her hospitality. She opened her house for me over a month until I finally found a place to move in. Moreover, I really appreciate IFI helping me to buy furniture and move all of them to my new place. I can’t imagine how I would do it without IFI’s help. Beyond all of that, IFI invited me to various activities and events, such as hocking hill hiking, the Lunar New Year party, and so on. I felt love and passion from all the volunteers from IFI. Thank you all!
Hi there, I'm Jacinth, an international student from India studying in Houston :)
International Friendships organization welcomes individuals from different countries and integrates their passion for Christ with its commitment to creating an inclusive and inviting environment. I was able to experience their hospitality when I attended the EQUIP conference which was dedicated to equipping international Christian students for their calling in their life. It was evident that each individual from the organization has a deep desire to contribute to the collective experience in meaningful ways. Everyone was eager to serve with a joyful heart, whether it was helping with meal preparations, leading a small group discussion, or volunteering to set up the worship area. There was a sense of selflessness and humility that permeated every action. I made new friendships with people from different parts of the world and was able to appreciate their cultures. I really loved the testimony-sharing sessions which created a space of vulnerability and trust. Despite our different backgrounds, we found common ground in our shared suffering, victories, and the healing power of Christ's love. I’m grateful to be a part of this fantastic community!
International Friendships Inc. (IFI) has been an absolute blessing in my life. As an international student venturing outside my home country for the first time, IFI warmly welcomed me at the airport, and from that moment, I knew I had found a second family here in the US.
Staying with my host family provided me with a sense of belonging and helped me acclimate to the US culture faster than I could have imagined. I have had the pleasure of meeting incredible people who share similar passions and interests, and through IFI, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the school year, IFI has provided me with numerous opportunities to connect with friends from all over the world. We have embarked on exciting journeys, exploring new places across the US, creating memories that I will cherish forever.
More than just a social experience, IFI has taught me the true meaning of hospitality. I have learned more about serving others with love and compassion, just as Christ served and loved us. It is an experience that has enriched my life and made me grow more as a person.
I can't express enough gratitude to the amazing staff members and volunteers at IFI. They work tirelessly to ensure that international students like me feel at home, supported, and cared for during our time abroad. Their dedication is making a world of difference, and I am deeply appreciative of all they do.
IFI is not just an organization; it is a community that fosters unity, love, and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds. My journey with IFI has been life-changing, and I wholeheartedly recommend this incredible organization to anyone seeking to make meaningful connections and experiences while studying abroad.
Thank you, IFI, for being an essential part of my unforgettable journey in the US!
IFI has been a huge blessing for me. While I was preparing to come to the States, I wanted an opportunity to be able to meet other believers of Christ and to be in fellowship. However, being an introverted person, I didn't know how that would happen for me and all I did was just pray about it. It was one of the IFI staff, Somita who contacted me first and befriended to. She's been a huge blessing to me spiritually.
IFI hosts several events which had helped several international students like me to interact with people, understand various cultures here, cope with homesickness, and help with other aspects which an international student deals with such as filing taxes
As a international student, It is really so hard to stay far away from home. IFI has been so helpful and very supportive.! I am feeling so blessed to have IFI for students like us to give a home environment. All there events are really best which are to give an opportunity to meet new friends :) with different cultures and traditions from all around the world. Special thanks to the volunteers for conducting such events and motivating, giving advices to grow more towards my career. Thank you so much IFI for being a great support for me!
Every international who travel far from their countries for studies and work, really miss their families and culture. IFI is a wonderful organisation that engages these internationals in events, family get together, trips and many more such activities to reduce the loneliness and felling of being far from home. I have personally been benefited with a lot of new friends and new families from all over the world through IFI. I have definitely started to fell home here, only because of IFI. Forever grateful.
My name is subash I am a student. What i learnt in the IFI means matthew 6:33. My opinion on IFI it stands on the foundation of Jesus chirst. whoever works in this each and everyone are so helpful and so positive minded for helping at any time. For me they teaching physically and spiritual how to grow in life.
Thank you God for introducing IFI to me.
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance provided by the IFI Organization during my time as an international student in the USA. Your efforts in hosting events, activities, family meetings, and camps have made a significant impact on my overall experience and well-being.
From the moment I arrived in the USA, I was warmly welcomed by your dedicated team, who made it their mission to ensure international students like myself felt comfortable and supported. The variety of events and activities organized by IFI not only allowed me to explore and embrace American culture but also provided a platform for building meaningful connections with fellow students and families.
The family meetings were particularly meaningful, as they allowed us to engage with local families and experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality of American homes. These interactions gave me a sense of belonging and support, especially during holidays and special occasions when being away from family and friends can be particularly challenging.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to making the USA a welcoming home for international students.
I feel it’s gods grace that I come to know about IFI.
International friendships is a fantastic organization. I love their motto, providing life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students and scholars. My husband and I have been involved with IFI for over 22 years. Through IFI we have done many airport pick ups, hosted students for holidays, overnights days, and other events, and have been involved in planning and participating in numerous events over the years, such as weekend retreats, Hikes, holiday parties, dinner and discussions, progressive dinners, and more. IFI volunteers are amazing, all are screened and background checked and have the highest integrity and give selflessly of their time and resources to help and befriend internationals. The staff of IFI does a fantastic job of organizing, communicating, and reaching out to new students who just arrived in the country to offer them services and friendship. IFI is a Christian organization but reaches out and welcomes students of all backgrounds and faiths to show them hospitality and love. Working with IFI is one of the highlights of my life, love the organization and love the students they reach out to.
Moving to a new country can be a daunting (lonely, stressful, confusing) experience, especially for international students. Not only do you have to adjust to a new culture, but you also have to find a way to make friends and build a support network.
I was lucky to find IFI when I first arrived in Columbus, Ohio. IFI is a Christian non-profit organization that provides hospitality and support to international students. They offer a variety of services, including weekly Bible study groups, hosting and food, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, retreat conferences, trips to local and national destinations, game nights and other social events, service in Christian churches, airport pick-up service, moving support, personal transportation for conferences or holidays, shopping support, networking, mentoring, and advising. I have been enjoying all those services.
I have been involved with IFI for about two years, and I have found it to be an invaluable resource. Most of the people at IFI are friendly, welcoming, and supportive. They have helped me to adjust to life in Columbus, and they have given me an opportunity to build my own community. In addition, you can cultivate some real friendships around the IFI community.
I highly recommend IFI to any international student looking for a way to make friends, build a support network, and learn more about American culture. IFI has improved my experience in Columbus, and I am so grateful for their support. I have been living in four different continents in the last 10 years and I have not seen a service like this. I hope they can grow internationally, and I advise them to focus on building real friendships with international students.
I would like to give special thanks to Phil, Grandma Norma, Eli, and Jon for their friendship. They have made me feel welcome in Columbus, and they have helped me to make the most of my time here.
I would give IFI a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. They are a wonderful organization that provides invaluable services to international students. I am so grateful for their support.
Before I came to meet IFI, I was at risk of being homeless and felt lonely throughout my journey in college. I came to realize that having a home it’s more than just having a roof under your head. It’s about the meaningful relationships you build around yourself as they welcome you with warm arms. For that reason, IFI became my home, and where friendships through this organization become family. I am forever grateful as I pray in Jesus name.
I have had an amazing experience working with the volunteers of IFI especially since i work at an English as a Second Language Learning center. IFI volunteer come to our weekly conversation hours and get tp know our students personally and help them practice their English too. The volunteers make Cleveland feel like home to the students by inviting them to their homes to celebrate holidays or simply to share a meal. IFI also holds monthly events that my students get to be a part of and make new friends, find mentorship and have lots of fun.
Are you looking for a space to live out Isaiah 56:7? In Isaiah God said He wants His house to be a house of prayer for all nations...Jesus repeated this standard twice during His teaching time in the temple in Jerusalem, too.
Fortunately we were able to respond to this teaching and find a space to live this out when we discovered International Friends Inc. (IFI) had opened a chapter at our local Junior College. Multiple international friendships and opportunities have erupted since our participation in this outreach began five years ago.
So here's one small interaction example that occurred at the beginning of this academic year. A college freshman was offered the opportunity to study at our Junior College and play soccer. Before he began his 24 hour journey from Sicily, a local IFI staff contacted this new student to insure he had transportation from the airport and a place to stay the first night upon arrival. He was not able to move into his apartment/dorm until the next day due to tardiness of the scheduled flight. We were a bit reluctant due to our full schedule and the late hour he was scheduled to arrive. God has a way of changing our minds and working out His plans. So, we exchanged photos with a Whats'App connection so we'd each know who we were looking for at the airport once arrival occurred.
Well...he arrived, but the flight was delayed longer than expected, so that ended a long journey for this young man. We waited at the gate to welcome him. I think he may have been in the back of the aircraft, because it seemed like a long pause until we noticed the tired looking burry eyed man that matched the picture we were seeing on our cell phone.
He walked up to us looking carefully, and suddenly realized we were the couple! His first words to us were: "Sorry, I'm lost". It was uncertain what he actually meant by saying this, but it appeared that he was asking/thanking us for our help. Our response? "Hey! You're found! We'll show you the way." That was a prophetic statement, I guess.
You see, on the way to our house from the airport the new acquaintance spoke to us in compromised English, yet understandable. A question surprised us, though .He asked, "Why do you do this? Why do you take in someone you don't know? He chuckled and said, we have the mafia, and they usually give so they can get something in return. It seemed appropriate to share that though we didn't know him, we offered our assistance in the name of Jesus and based on His love for the whole world. He texted his parents while we were driving and communicated some of this to them in a way to help them feel more secure about this overture, too.
There were challenging moments for this man over the course of the year. But those times were peppered with good interaction and fellowship with the IFI group, as well as individual times in volunteers' homes with this man. By second semester he had decided to join the Friday evening Life Group (Bible Study) offered to all international students at the Junior college. He attended a church occasionally with one of our volunteers, too. Through prayer and sincerity of heart, he recognized Jesus as the Lord of life and giver of eternal life, and stepped toward receiving Him as his personal savior. The growth process has been amazing to observe....and we once again realize that God Himself desires for His house of prayer to be a space for people of all nations. We have the pleasure of witnessing this first hand by participating in IFI in our community!
Such an amazing experience working with this group of people. They are passionate about their work and very helpful in connecting our church with internationals. We would highly recommend partnering with them and will continue to do so ourselves in the future.
I love working with international moms through IFI’s Moms Group! I have made good friends from around the world; learned about different cultures/foods/traditions; and have enjoyed opportunities to share about my language/experience/worldview. I have especially enjoyed participating in a group like this with my children to teach/model community service. Together we can volunteer as a family during in-person group gatherings/studies/meals/crafts, plus outings to parks and other fun activities ... even welcoming internationals into our home for holidays. I think we have all learned a lot from each other and have a richer appreciation of culture because of our mutual curiosity and respect. I’m grateful to IFI for opening doors to the world here in our own backyard. What a great non-profit!
As a retired Fortune 500 corporate accountant with a CPA designation, for over a year and a half I was employed part-time by International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) in their Finance Office (the CFO was a Christian brother and former co-worker in my corporate job). I was highly impressed with the personnel and systems/processes in place, new ones I was aware of implemented while I was there, and future plans for the organization. During this time I also interacted many, many times with many of the full time National Office and ministry staff in the Columbus area and intermittently with ministry staff in other US locations. In my humble opinion, ALL these staff had God given motivation and abilities to meet their ministries' and the organization's responsibilities.
I like that IFI has found a "hospitality" niche and uses a large volunteer base in helping to reach international students for Jesus. I think the Lord would approve!
I certainly wish I could have helped financially support all the National Office and ministry staff I was fortunate to get to know. I now feel fortunate to be able to support Ryan Finke, one of the full time National Office staff. He is a picture of God's grace, goodness, and gifts/abilities towards those who seek him in a full time ministry capacity.
At this time, as my rating implies, I think this organization and it's personnel utilize the finances in a proper manner and attempt to exceed or far exceed expectations.
I thank God for IFI's presence here in the US and it's effects in our world.
John
I was helped by ifi when I first came to the states in 1993, now they are still helping even more international students after so many years , that says a lot
The people from international friendships inc. have given me the best time and experience I could ever imagine. I am from Germany and I stayed for about a year in the US. Saying goodbye to these people was the hardest part. Everybody is so lovely and takes care so much, they help whenever they can and they put so much effort in organizing different events. This group of international students and volunteers from all over a world became a family where you shared your culture and life stories. I learned so much about the world and the people and I built the greatest friendships there.
The first experience with IFI was even before I arrived in the US. They helped me to get the right transport from the airport and picked me up from the train station at my arrival day. When I arrived they welcomed me in their home, took care and helped me to get enrolled in classes, buy groceries and to go to the doctor. Small things I would easily have struggled with if I would have been on my own. From the day the classes started at college, they had an event every second week. Every student was welcome to participate and there was always free food and drinks and always different kind of activities, all well planned by volunteers.
In addition to that was 'Life Group' , a group of students and volunteers who met every Friday and ate dinner together (also cooked by volunteers) and then we read and studied the bible together. It was a safe place where you were able to share your thoughts and emotions. After that people played board games until midnight sometimes and then went home.
In between those events and activities as a student you were always able to contact volunteers if you needed something. They drove me to grocery stores and doctors, helped me with getting a drivers license or helped with documents. They also supported us at every soccer game we had with our college team. You also were able to get a friendship partner, where you get matched with one of the volunteers to spend more time together. Because of that I had all my weekends planned where I learned and experienced the american culture and met so many more people outside of the college.
In conclusion I can say that without IFI my stay in the US would have looked so much different. As an international student first time being alone in a different country far away from home, they made it so easy from the beginning and made it a second home for me. I never felt so much love and taken care of.
This organization and the people who work here are being such a blessing to my family. The hospitality and the willingness to help and pray for us stands out. They really know how to share the love of Christ with us and made us fell welcomed in US.
International Friendships INC , one of the best organizations around , I remember it was my first time arriving as an international student in Peoria Illinois at Illinois Central college , and from the first day on until my last day at the college , they welcomed me , groomed me , helped me to grow and feel at home , they are an organization of heartwarming individuals who put tremendous efforts into ensure all of us international students are in a space of comfort , in a space of trust , they have Helped us in so many ways, assisting us in getting us to and from the airport , assisting us in the classroom , assisting us in paperwork , organizing events where we can stay active and happy , I even remembered one even where we share and learn about each other’s cultures and countries , it was not only a great event but also one that was educational . they’ve supported us at our games , they made us feel like we are a family and for that I am forever thankful for this organization and everything they have done not just for me only but for all the international students , we are all happy with the work they do to ensuring we have what we need!!
I don’t how i could have gone 3 years at ICC without IFI they helped me a lot and words cannot show how greatfull i am, they even helped me out during covid and i hope the Lord blesses them and they continue their good work cause i know there are a lot of international students like me who need help.
Our life is different after knowing IFI. It's a fantastic place, full of friendly people, helping hands, and sincere prayer! They helped my wife and me in many ways so we could overcome cultural differences and live here without much stress. They invited us to many activities (Halloween, Easter, etc.), which were fun with a lot of food and games. They have conversation partners who can help us practice English. When we were preparing for marriage, one of them even offered pre-marital counseling in Chinese, which was amazing! I feel so grateful that they love not only in word but also in deed and truth. I strongly recommend IFI to all international students!
IFI has been very helpful since I came to Columbus three years ago. IFI volunteers helped me with housing, moving, English improvement... I had wonderful experiences with IFI volunteers on special occasions, like Christmas, the Chinese lunar new year, Thanksgiving, independence day, and Halloween. We went hiking together to hocking hills and visited Amish country, and had many happy memories. Most importantly, I met many friends through IFI. They are like my family here, so I never feel alone. I strongly recommend IFI to international students.
Fantastic organization. I was picked up, showed love and everything went well. Kudos to Rich and the entire crew!!
I am lucky to found out about IFI when I moved to Columbus. The people from IFI are great not only in helping us to learn English but also in learning the culture. It’s the first time I feel welcomed in this country after I met the people from IFI. I met some great people and now they are my friends!
IFI is a great place to meet and learn about difference cultures. I have enjoyed hosting international students and having conversation partners. It has greatly enriched my life to interact and become friends with people from all over the world.
IFI is a great organization that has helped me make so many friends and learn more about many cultures! I am so thankful to be a part of it. They truly create a family environment and I would highly recommend getting involved!
As an international student, IFI has helped me build a community of good friends. It has taught me lifelong lessons. All the staff members are kind, smart, and faithful.
I love volunteering with IFI! The staff members provide so many opportunities for us volunteers to serve and interact with students through social events, Bible studies, cultural events, and more. I have met so many interesting people, and I'm grateful for these relationships!
Getting involved with IFI has been my lifetime experience. My friendship with IFI volunteers has not only helped me to ease my stay in US but this also helped me to grow socially and evolve spiritually. I remember my host, Sarbat Eldibas, who helped me with airport pickup service and drove me off to IFI welcome house. I remain thankful for God each single day when i think of IFI.
I came to US on 9th August and IFI helped me with temporary housing at there wonderful Welcome House in Cleveland, OH. I am very grateful to all the help provided by them for helping me settle and providing shuttle services to-and-from school and grocery marts. The organization was very good, I can easily say it was Perfect.
I would like to thank the whole team of IFI for doing this. I wish there were more Stars to rate there work.
Getting involved with IFI was one of the best decisions I ever made! The people at IFI just love international students so well and it's such a privilege to serve along side them.
IFI has been such a blessing to our family! Through this organization, our family has had the opportunity to meet and minister to people from all around the world! Three students have stayed at our home, and the memories we have made will last a lifetime. Without IFI and their knowledgable and friendly staff, these opportunities would not have been possible.
Hello guys, if you are an international student, I will strongly recommend this nonprofit organization for you as I have a very good experience with them. I first knew them through the welcome party held by them. During the past two year, I know a lot of friends through IFI’s activities, this organization makes me not lonely during my years in the United States. It is a place you can talk with people from all over the world freely, and it is a place you can find the feeling of belonging. Also, it is a place you can practice you English.
IFI is an awesome organization that serves the international students and scholars that are visiting central Ohio. Even during this pandemic, the volunteers have found creative ways to stay connected and to serve the community. Keep up the great work!!
IFI is a fantastic nonprofit serving students from other countries and welcoming them. The leaders are professional and passionate about their jobs.
I had heard of IFI from friends in my church, but it wasn't until I went to the yearly banquet that I heard from international students themselves and realized what a good thing this organization is. The weekly Bible studies are no-pressure events but with a good solid teaching (even for the kids), and the other events make people feel so welcome to our city. I love the emphasis on preparing new believers for their re-entry into their own culture, and helping them become grounded in scriptures so they have that with them when they go home. I have been a conversation partner to a handful of lovely people from Asia, and I'm currently doing individual Bible studies with two brilliant Asian ladies. I would never have been connected up with them if it weren't for IFI. None of these partners became Christian believers while partnered with me, but I had the privilege of planting plenty of seeds for God to use later.
I volunteer at IFI and really enjoy the relationships I make with international students and scholars. I have been a volunteer since 2009 where I have hosted students or scholars for a few days until they can move into their dormitories or apartments. I also like to be a conversation partner with scholars so they can practice their English speaking skills. It has been a wonderful experience of friendship and cultural awareness for me.
IFI has been faithfully serving thousands of international friends in the US, the workers and volunteers are diligently spreading the Gospel, I constantly witness seekers put their faith in Jesus after many Bible studies and workers' reaching out. Praise God for IFI!
I am a big fan of IFI and value how the organization helps international students, scholars and their families. My husband and I have been IFI volunteers for more than ten years now. Even the pandemic has not prevented IFI from showing God's love to students in practical ways and with creative outreach.
IFI is a successful ministry among international students. It is effective because of the commitment to the Gospel and discipleship. IFI is making a worldwide difference now and for eternity. I am grateful to be a very small part of such a worthy nonprofit.
Our family has enjoyed volunteering for IFI. We have had students from all over the world in our home for a holiday meal. They never fail to appreciate a personal connection, and they really have fun. We have a good time getting to know them and a little bit about their country. Sometimes we have been able to keep up a relationship and have them over again. We have also picked up students at the airport and taken them to their housing or given them a place to stay for several days until their housing was ready. My daughter has been an English partner, meeting with someone for a year or longer for English conversation to strengthen the student's skills. Our overall experience has been very positive.
Our only reason to not award 5 stars is that in the past we have felt some pressure to contribute financially, which translated to some embarrassment when those we had invited to hear about the organization felt that pressure and were a bit alienated by it. The last fundraiser was handled better.
My church hosts an IFI dinner once a month and I have volunteered to help serve meals at the event. I was so impressed with the diversity of the people who attended and the fellowship amongst them. God is clearly working among this group of volunteers and students, and it was heart-warming to see it.
Being able to support the efforts of this organization has certainly been a blessing to me!
I love International Friendships and the work they are doing among those who are new to our country. I haven't traveled abroad much, so I can only imagine how hard it would be arriving in a country you do not know and trying to make a life there. International Friendships loves and cares for those who are new to the U.S. I love that they meet internationals at the airport so they aren't alone when they get here, they provide transit, they provide activities such as a picnic for new arrivals so that they can acquaint themselves with their new surroundings. I imagine that holidays would be very lonely in a new country, but International Friendships thought of this and connects internationals with host families for various holidays throughout the year. Internationals get to share in the holiday spirit and learn about our culture and customs first hand. There is so much more that IFI does to support internationals physical, emotional, and spiritual needs as they adapt to a new life. This is an amazing nonprofit and I highly recommend them!
International Friendships, Inc. does a truly wonderful job in welcoming international students to the United States, connecting them with host families that extend true US hospitality!
I have supported this nonprofit for decades. I especially like their financial responsibility and accountability. They have yearly meetings where they share past, present, and future activities with keynote speakers who give personal testimonies. I know several of the leaders personally and can vouch for their character and diligence. This is a really great organization.
We have enjoyed several holidays with international university students. It is wonderful to share stories about our cultures and provide them with a taste of "family & home" when they are far from theirs. IFI makes it easy to connect.
The church I attend was involved in starting IFI 40 years ago. I have witnessed its growth through the years as the organization has worked with International students on the Ohio State University campus and now as it is in the process of expanding its ministry to other campuses. I have seen students being transformed by the gospel and go back to their home countries to start proclaiming the gospel. IFI is truly an organization that excels in carrying out its mission.
Awesome program which includes opportunities to host international students for a few days when they arrive for college. Many times a friendship is started that lasts for the school year, and, sometimes, beyond. We were recently invited to the wedding in Shantou, China of a student we hosted in 2012.
I went to a an IFI Welcome Picnic back in the 80's and it inspired me to become a host for international people. Thanks IFI !
I have been an enthusiastic supporter of IFI for a number of years. They are an innovative organization that is doing great work. I am always impressed with their responsive staff and their constant communication. I feel confident that the money I give to IFI is being put to good use.
A well run organization where all the donations go to help international students become acclimated.
IFI hosts several events that connect students to community.
A terrific organization that helps international students integrate themselves into the local culture and make personal connections with students even before they set foot on campus. I couldn't give them a higher recommendation.
First and foremost, IFI is about people. They a serve a lot of important needs for wanting situations, but all of their programs are designed to serve much more than an immediate physical or academic or practical need. Loving people of all backgrounds is one of the reasons IFI is loved by so many here in Columbus and beyond.
IFI has a wonderful ministry that I support. They are really good in keeping supporters informed of what they are doing and the progress and victories achieved. It is good to see how God is blessing and using the money donated to enlarge His kingdom.
My husband and I and friends have worked with IFI for about 10 years. They are a well organized, thoughtful, fun, all-inclusive nonprofit who cares for the students they help as well as the volunteers who help them. Other cities and college campuses would do well to establish this model for their international students!