“Love foreigners as you love yourselves.” – Leviticus 19:34 NCV
Two of the biggest felt needs of international students, scholars, and their families are:
- Help with conversational English. They need a friend to practice their English with who will be a good listener and patient to answer their questions.
- Decrease in loneliness. They need an individual or family to help them adjust and adapt to their new surroundings and culture, and who will invite them to participate in enjoyable activities together.
By volunteering, you can help students meet their needs and start building relationships. Watch this video below to hear one student’s story!
IFI provides Volunteers like you the opportunity to help by being a Friendship Partner!
- Befriend a student and invite them to join you or your family for a meal, a holiday celebration, a community event, another activity, or an evening of conversation.
- Partners stay in touch weekly and meet at least once a month.
How do I become a Friendship Partner?
- There is a list of students waiting.
- Complete the application process (application, background check, and training)
- Some people who volunteered in the past may be eligible to have this waived
Reach out to Bruce Fulcher if you have any questions:
