Priscilla* arrived in Cleveland from South Asia in August of 2024 to begin her master’s degree in Information Systems. While she had traveled internationally before, this move felt different.
Those first days were hard. Most students hadn’t arrived yet, classes hadn’t started, and the loneliness set in quickly.
“I remember calling my dad and crying,” Priscilla shared.
Homesickness weighed heavily, and adjusting to cultural differences, like living downtown, co-ed housing, and Cleveland’s city life, added to the challenge.
Priscilla’s struggles began to change when she attended an IFI welcome party later that month. While her peers left early, Priscilla decided to stay behind, meeting IFI staff and volunteers.
“It was really good!” Priscilla remembered. “I still remember that day.”
That night left a deep mark on her. From grocery errands to group outings, IFI quickly became a loyal presence during her hardest moments.
As the year went on, Priscilla found community and adventure through IFI events. One of her favorite experiences was a progressive dinner with American families, where she was able to step inside American homes, share meals, and better understand family life in the U.S.
“It was amazing!” Priscilla shared. “I had always been curious about how they were different than my home country, so that was eye-opening for me.”
Now, Priscilla feels more settled and confident. Through it all, IFI played a significant role in welcoming her into friendship, belonging, and stability.
“Whenever I felt lonely,” Priscilla said, “I always had IFI to lean on.”
*Student name and photo changed to protect privacy