International Friendships - Columbus, OH
FAQs
Featured Question - Why do I need to attend the New Volunteer Orientation/Training Session?
We require all new volunteers to be equipped to serve international students and to understand all of the services that IFI makes available to the students. Since each volunteer is an important part of the ministry and represents IFI to the students, volunteers need to understand and be in agreement with our ministry focus and philosophy.
Here are some answers below to commonly asked questions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Ben.
Questions Most Frequently Asked by New Volunteers
General FAQs
English Conversation Partners FAQs
Airport Pick-Up FAQs
Temporary Housing FAQs
Childcare Ministry FAQs
Potluck and Culinary Missionary FAQs
The International Mothers’ Group FAQs
Christmas Hosting FAQs
General Questions
1. Why does IFI ask for references?
I wish we didn’t have to, but we have found that this is wise. Some very godly and good-hearted people are just not cut out for the “peculiarities” of working with international students. Among other concerns, we want to be certain that our volunteers have time for this work, that their spouses are happy with their involvement, and that we will not be putting any undue stress on a volunteer who is struggling with other issues.
2. Why doesn’t IFI ask for references for the students? How do we know we aren’t being linked up with a trouble-maker?
We have no way of screening students, and if the university did, it wouldn’t give us any information. So, we don’t know that you won’t be hosting or meeting with a trouble-maker. We have to trust the Lord about this – that’s the bottom line. However, please CALL IFI’s emergency number (614-975-5686, emergencies only) immediately if your student is doing or saying anything that makes you uncomfortable.
3. My mom knows me the best of all. Can she be my reference? How about the pastor, who is my cousin?
I’m sure your mom would be your greatest fan, but sorry, we need an unbiased opinion! No close relatives or spouses, please. As for the pastor who is also your cousin, this is a stretch, but we would allow it if you have given them permission to be honest! If you know your church’s Local Church Representative (an IFI volunteer) well, he or she would make a good reference.
4. Why do I need to attend the New Volunteer Orientation/Training Session?
We require all new volunteers to be equipped to serve international students and to understand all of the services that IFI makes available to the students. Since each volunteer is an important part of the ministry and represents IFI to the students, volunteers need to understand and be in agreement with our ministry focus and philosophy.
5. How long is the New Volunteer Orientation/Training Session?
The training is 2- 2 ½ hours long.
6. When and where is the next training?
For dates and locations, click here, or contact Leila Gardner at 614-294-2434, ext. 4, or recruit@ifipartners.org.
7. What is covered in the training?
The first hour is an introduction to international student ministry and IFI’s history, values, goals, and volunteer opportunities. The second hour includes cross-cultural friendships and communication, hospitality, and sharing your faith cross-culturally. You also receive a Resource Manual to take home for future use.
English Conversation Partner Questions
1. I have an interest in a specific country. Can I be matched with someone from that country?
We will certainly make a note of your country interest, and will match you if there is someone available from that country. However, in actuality, 90% of our requests come from SE Asia: S. Korea, China, and Taiwan. If you could be flexible, that would be wonderful. We frequently have Asian students who have to wait 5 or 6 months for a partner. In the meantime, they lose interest, and we have lost the opportunity to connect with them.
2. How often am I required to meet with my student? Who sets up these meetings? What do we do at these meetings?
We ask that you meet with your student on an average of one hour a week. If the student is extra-busy, perhaps every other week for 2 hours would work better. I will give you and your partner each other’s contact information, and you will make your own arrangements as to where and when to meet. You will be sent suggestions for activities and conversation starters, but every individual partnership will have its own flavor. Just pray, and go with the flow!
3. My partner seems to only want to discuss her own Buddhist religion. How can I turn this conversation around to Christianity?
By listening and showing interest! Ask good questions. Bring up similarities and differences. Invite her to church on special “religious holidays”. Ask the Lord for opportunities to discuss your faith naturally. Ask for our handout on Buddhism (or Islam, or other world religions). Ask her if she would like to have the “Jesus” video or DVD in her language. Be an unconditional friend and don’t push for a “decision”. You may just be the seed-planter.
4. Do I need to be an expert in English to be matched?
No. You are a native speaker, so you will innately know when your friend is making mistakes, which you can gently correct. Do try to limit your use of idioms, unless you are using them to teach. Also, do try to use correct English and avoid too much slang!
5. I don’t like driving to campus. Can the student come to my house?
Most international students do not have cars. Even though some do, YOU are the host, and should be willing to drive to meet the student. Perhaps when your friendship has progressed, the student will be comfortable driving to your home. But we always ask the volunteer to be willing to make the sacrifice of driving to meet with the student on his/her “turf”.
6. I called and left a message on my partner’s cell phone, but she hasn’t returned my call.
Phoning is very difficult for most international students. You are still a stranger, and they are not confident in their English skills. Please, if at all possible, make your initial contact by email. Also, students are just as busy as we are; they may not be able to connect with you for a week or two. If they have not responded by the end of two weeks, and if you have tried at least 2 times to connect, please let me know. I will find out if the student is interested, and if not, match you with another one.
7. I don’t seem to relate well with my partner, or she doesn’t seem to be enjoying our meetings. What can I do?
I try to match folks of similar age, marital status, and occupation (if I know it), or I match you with a person from a country you are interested in. If you have not gotten a comfortable match, just do your best for 3 months, and then please try again. I always have a waiting list, and if you can tell me what “type” of person would be a better match, I’ll do my best. In the meantime, you have served the Lord even though it might not have been easy.
Airport Pick Up Questions
1. How much luggage will this student have?
Well, they are coming for 9 months or more, so please don’t take your VW Bug to the airport! Plan on 2-3 bags per student.
2. What if I miss the student? Or what if he is so delayed that I can’t stay to pick him up?
Both you and the student will be given directions as to where to look for each other. If you have waited around and have exhausted all these possibilities, call our emergency number 614-975-5686 and report that you cannot find the student. You have done all you can. If the student contacts you and says he/she will be greatly delayed and you can’t stay, again, call our emergency number. We will make other arrangements for the student.
Temporary Housing Questions
1. How long will this student stay?
On our website, we offer no more than 4 days. If you find that the student needs a little extra time, you have two options. You can say “yes.” Or you can call our office, and we will make other housing arrangements for this student. You are NEVER obligated to keep a student longer than 4 days, but we do ask that you accept a student with the understanding that she may stay all 4 days.
2. What meals am I responsible for?
Breakfast for sure, unless the student just wants to get to campus. No lunches, unless you want to pack one for him. Dinners are negotiable. If you cannot make dinner, you may feel free to let him cook his own. If not, just tell him that you will pick him up from campus after dinner, or meet him for dinner at a restaurant.
3. Do I need to drive the student to and from campus every day?
The first day, absolutely yes. On other days, if and only if you are on a bus line with a SHORT ride to campus (1/2 hour or less), you can explain the bus route and procedures to the student and have them use COTA. Internationals use buses more than we do, but they are not used to the long waits for buses, so it is always friendlier to drive them if you can.
4. What if I go to work early or come home late?
Students should be able to flex with your schedule, unless it is really wild. You could drop the student off at Wendy’s or somewhere else where he can study until classes start. The main library at OSU opens early and is often open until late.
5. I am uncomfortable having men in my home when my husband is not there.
Then let me know, and I will only send women to your home. However, I should add that students should be at classes all day, and rarely will be at your home during the day. Most Asian men are extremely polite to women, and will not be uncomfortable with you if you are not uncomfortable with them. They may even cook for you!
6. If the student has never been in an American home, will it be awkward?
Entertaining, probably, and amusing, possibly, but it doesn’t need to be awkward. We do send ALL new students a longish email entitled “Tips for Staying in an American Home”, in which we make suggestions and give them some idea of what to expect. We encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure of anything, and we encourage you to ask them if they have ever been in an American home. If not, you might want to show them how the shower works, etc. Plan on having fun.
7. Does the student need a private bathroom?
Most students are used to sharing bathrooms, and will probably defer to your use of it. If you need to have it free at a certain time, just tell them.
8. Is it my responsibility to find permanent housing for this student?
No. The student should have received information on finding housing from the Office of International Education. As well, we have housing information for the student in the packet you will receive. You are always welcome to help out a student in this process if you wish, but it is not required.
9. My friend offered to take a student for 4 days, and she ended up staying 2 weeks.
This student was definitely taking advantage of your friend, and we never permit that it if we know about it. The problem is that IFI volunteers are so nice that they feel guilty if they “complain” about a student! Please let us know if a student is overstaying her welcome, pushing you to do something you are uncomfortable with, or asking for things. I am here to help you, the volunteer, as well as the students.
10. I don’t have a spare bedroom, but the student could share my son’s bedroom or sleep on a couch. Would this work?
We would prefer not to do this unless we were desperate. Students will be weary when they arrive, and often need privacy just to sort out their feelings.
11. My student wanted to call home as soon as he got here. I didn’t want to pay for the long distance, but I didn’t know how to handle it.
You should not have to pay for overseas phone calls. Offer to take the student to a mini-market or a gas station that sells phone cards, so he can buy one and thus pay for his own phone calls.
Childcare Ministry Questions
1. Can my child take part in the activities as I help, or is this only for children of international students?
If you are a part of the IFI ministry (in any activity), your kids are welcome! This will be a great cross-cultural experience for them.
2. What, exactly, happens in this program?
We have game times and council times for announcements. After that, we have handbook time, where the kids work on memorizing verses and concepts from the Bible. We help them see how these concepts are relevant to their daily lives.
3. Are the children separated by age group?
We divide the kids into three groups: toddlers through pre-K, kindergarten through 2nd grade, and 3rd through 6th grade. We do this so each child can get personal attention during our handbook time. During the game time and council time, all ages are together.
4. Do all the children speak English?
Not always! But a smile and a hug go a long way, and children learn fast. Also, our children’s ministry leaders are trained and experienced in ESL, and will be able to help.
Potluck and Culinary Missionary Questions
1. What can individuals do to help out at potlucks?
Individuals prepare and bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert (fruit preferred) for themselves (and their families) and for 8-10 others. Please contact Leila at the IFI office to help.
2. What can my church, fellowship, or Bible study group do to help?
We need groups of 6-8 people who will not only prepare and bring a main dish, side dish, or dessert (fruit preferred) for themselves (and their families) and for 8-10 others but also will help with set up and clean up. The groups need to arrive an hour early to help with set up and decorations, then help during the potluck with registration and refilling drink and food, and stay an hour afterwards to help with clean up. We prefer that one of the folks in the group be a current IFI volunteer. If your group wants to help, please contact Leila Gardner at 614-294-2434, ext. 4, or recruit@ifipartners.org.
The International Mothers’ Group Questions
1. What is the group? What do they do at meetings?
The International Mothers’ Group (IMG) is a support group for international moms and their pre-school-aged children and babies. By showing love and concern for the moms and their children, we hope to have an opportunity to reveal God’s love to them, and let them know of other IFI activities that may be helpful to them spiritually. At the bimonthly 2-hour meetings, we have a craft, refreshments, discussion time, presentations, and children’s activities. For more information about meeting dates, times and location, contact Rebecca at: rebecca.IFI@gmail.com.
2. How can I help with the IMG?
The opportunities to serve include helping with the children, bringing refreshments, and/or befriending a mom. This is an excellent opportunity for stay-at-home moms and home-schooled families to serve international families.
Christmas Hosting Questions
1. How do the students find out about this opportunity?
Some students will be part of our Friday night Bible study, but we often open this event to the general international student population at OSU. Many students find out about this opportunity through our website. It is possible that you may host a student with whom this is our first contact. Many students see this as an opportunity to both experience American culture and to see an American home and family.
2. Can I request someone from a specific country?
Yes, when you sign up, you may indicate any preferences you may have. We will do our best to honor your request, but we cannot guarantee that a student will be available from any given country. The vast majority of students here in Columbus are from countries in East Asia.
3. How will I be matched with a student(s)?
We will try to give you your student's name, email, phone number, and address by at least the Friday before Christmas. However, we always have a few students who sign up at the last minute, and we appreciate volunteers who can be flexible! Most likely the information will be emailed or we will call you. It will then be your responsibility to contact the student with an invitation to your celebration and to make arrangements for transportation.
4. How can I contact the student(s)?
You may call or email the student. Email is often the most effective way to contact students. However, a phone call is fine. You may need to try calling several times and perhaps at different times of day. Keep in mind that it may be intimidating for an international to return your call. Please do not give up after one try. If, after several tries, you are still unable to contact and/or make arrangements with the student, please contact the IFI office for assistance or for the name of another student.
5. What about transportation?
Most students will not have transportation. In most cases, you will need to come to campus to bring the student to your home and then take him/her back after your celebration. Please communicate the expected pick-up and return times to your student. Also, we have found that students who do have their own cars are not comfortable driving a long distance to their host's home. If you live at a distance, please plan on picking the student up.
6. What if our celebration is out of town?
If you plan to drive a long distance from campus, please explain your plans to the student and make sure that is acceptable to them. If they need time to study, you might suggest they bring books and then offer a quiet place at some time during the day. In the case that a long drive is not acceptable to your assigned student, please contact the IFI office for another match. If you are planning an overnight stay, please let IFI know ahead of time, and we will do our best to match you with a student who would like to do this. This may not always be possible.
7. Are there any dietary restrictions?
When you receive the name of your student, you will also be notified of any dietary restrictions. Usually if there is a variety of food including vegetarian dishes, there will not be a problem. In general, students from Hindu backgrounds will not eat beef, Muslims will not eat pork (such as ham), and some students are vegetarians.
