International Friendships - Columbus, OH
New Volunteers Current Volunteers
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
- Special Training
- Small Groups
- Church Coordinators
- Share a photo or student story
Small Groups
Small Group Missions and Outreach Opportunities
International Friendships has several opportunities for small groups to serve. Your small group can work together to help “reach the world” by serving internationals studying right here in Columbus.
Click here for information about upcoming events that your group can help with.
Below are some on going service opportunities. Some of these opportunities involve direct ministry to the students and some of them involve facilitating the ministry of others who serve the students. Contact Leila or call the IFI office to get started.
- Prepare meals for International-American Friday night Bible study group - Two to three groups are needed each week, each group to provide food for 50 people. This can be a once-a-month, once-in-two months or once-a-quarter (every three months) commitment. Groups serve food, and eat with the Bible study leaders and international students. Groups can stay for the Bible study or leave when it starts. Click here to sign up.
- Host a monthly Culture, Cuisine, and Conversation gathering - Have fun learning about other cultures and customs while showing hospitality and helping internationals practice speaking English. Time, place, and transportation are arranged by your group. Training is provided for all group members. Multiple groups are needed. Minimum 3 month commitment. Click here to sign up.
- Behind the scenes group service project- Come on a Saturday morning and serve at the IFI office near OSU. Help with light housekeeping, maintenance of student apartments, and neighborhood clean up. Click here to sign up.
- Help at IFI Welcome Potluck on Sunday, September 11: Bring food for yourself and 10-12 internationals. We need individuals and 4-5 church groups to bring a dish to share with 10-12 others, help set up, serve food and clean up. Click here to sign up.
- Help at Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, September 14 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.: Individuals and small groups to help with set up, serving ice cream, greeting students, and clean up. Click here to sign up.
Resources for Small Groups
• Interacting with your International Friend
• Information on Providing Potlucks for Friday Night Bible study
• Information on Culture, Cuisine, and Conversation Gatherings For Church Small Groups
• Culinary Missionary (Small Groups) Information Sheet (PDF)
News & Events
- Background Checks needed for current volunteers Click here to give IFI permission for your background check.
- Be an English conversation partner with an international student! This is our biggest volunteer need.
- Have a Photo or story to share about your IFI friend?
- Become a fan of IFI on Facebook
- Would you like to host a student long-term (up to one year)? If so, contact our office here.
