Blog Posts for Volunteers

Honest tips and insights about serving International students

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Accepting Being Chosen
Accepting Being Chosen
January 14, 2026

In her final days in the U.S., international student Janet*, originally from a closed country, joined IFI staff members in the fall of 2025 to watch a showing of The Chosen: The Last Supper. But her questions about faith had actually begun long before that night...

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An Impact Beyond Academics
An Impact Beyond Academics
October 30, 2025

When Soledad left Bolivia for the United States, she thought she was coming simply for her education. Instead, she found herself on a journey of faith and transformation that would change her life forever...

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Step by Step Transformation
Step by Step Transformation
October 30, 2025

In the fall of 2024, Aiden* arrived in the United States from South Asia to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. Having visited the U.S. before as a tourist, he thought he knew what to expect. But this time was different. Life as an international student meant new responsibilities, new rhythms, and a need for a new community...

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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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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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