WHO WE ARE
International students often struggle with culture shock, stress, and loneliness when leaving their homes to study in the US. International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) is a national organization partnering with local churches, universities, and volunteers to provide life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students. We work strategically to make the world feel at home and extend God’s love globally — right where we are.
Finally Living the Dream
Summer* had dreamed of living in the US since she was 14 years old. After years of watching American YouTubers and feeling a quiet connection with the culture, she finally arrived in January 2024 to pursue her master's degree at Kent State. It wasn't her first time in the country, as she had previously taken some trips to the West Coast that had left her charmed: the greenery, the friendly strangers, the generous portion sizes… But moving here was different. “What surprised me most was the loneliness I felt,” Summer expressed. “Classmates were warm with me in [...]
