Blog Posts

Honest tips and insights into thriving as an International student

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Understanding Visas: How to Support International Students Beyond Paperwork
April 2, 2026

Lately, IFI staff, volunteers, and even students have been getting more questions about student visas— especially as policies and costs continue to change. For many internationals, navigating the U.S. immigration system is one of the most stressful parts of studying abroad. Understanding what they go through can help us be more compassionate, better-informed friends.

Volunteer
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Creating Home Away from Home: Living in an International Community
April 1, 2026

When Simon* moved from South Asia to the U.S. in the summer of 2022, he expected academic challenges. What he didn’t expect was how much living in a cross-cultural community would shape him.

Student
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Just the Beginning
Just the Beginning
January 15, 2026

When Nat arrived in Ohio from Thailand as an international student, he held excitement and nerves in both hands. Like many students new to the U.S., he wondered how he would adjust to life in a new country...

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Podcast Episodes

Check out our podcast The World at Home to hear real stories of International students finding community

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The World at Home Ep. 1: A Great Return

Welcome to The World At Home, a podcast where we will explore the incredible journeys of international students who’ve come to the U.S. to study, learn, and grow. In each episode, we’ll hear first hand stories from people who have left their home countries to the United States, now navigating new academic and/or professional, cultural, and personal landscapes.In this Episode we interview Carol from Brazil on her experience visiting home after many years.

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The World at Home Ep. 2: To Say Goodbye

Episode 2 of The World at Home podcast we interview IFI Staff member and former international student from Rwanda, Viviane about her experiences with saying goodbye and grief.

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Podcast
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The World at Home Ep 3: Cross-Cultural Friendships

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put two natural introverts on a podcast? For Episode 3 of The World at Home podcast we interview Sonia, a college student from Indonesia, who shares how she has learned to grow cross-cultural friendships in the US. Naturally an introvert, Sonia has had to grow her confidence to go outside of her comfort zone- to make others feel more at home, just like others did for her.

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