Apprenticeship Program - International Friendships, Inc (IFI)

Become an Apprentice

Equipping American workers to befriend, serve, and mentor international students on U.S. campuses

International Student Ministry Apprenticeship Program

The International Student Ministry Apprenticeship Program (ISMAP) is a one-year learning experience with International Friendships, Inc. (IFI), in Columbus, Ohio – one of the largest campus- and community-based ministries to international students in the United States.

Program Goals

Apprentices will:

Learn what international student ministry (ISM) entails
Develop ministry skills
Gain experience to become effective ISM workers on a current team or join a new ministry team
Pray for vision to pioneer ISM on new campuses

Program Distinctives

Focusing on cross-cultural ministry skills
Applying principles — not how-to “recipes”– to ministry opportunities
Learning through discussion-oriented seminars, one-on-one mentoring, and hands-on experiences
Developing a God-guided personal ministry and ministry style
Encouraging self-discipline to become a responsible and productive worker
Waiting on God to learn where He will lead next

Content Covered

Cross-cultural communication and sensitivity
Spiritual leadership and team building
Sharing the good news & mentoring
Small group dynamics
Interpersonal relationship skills
Recruiting and training volunteers
University-ministry relations
Balance in ministry
Financial and prayer support development

The Apprenticeship Program is designed to develop workers who can…

Welcome international students to American campuses
Show students Jesus by example
Help them learn American culture
Help students know Jesus personally and grow in Him
Mentor students who can extend God’s love globally

Program FAQs

What hands-on experiences do apprentices get?rfinke2018-11-01T11:23:42-04:00

What hands-on experiences do apprentices get?

Coordinate hospitality for the students
Help students settle into off-campus housing
Follow up on new contacts
Join English Conversation Club
Co-lead Bible discussion groups
Plan and run special events
Meet one on one with internationals
Have a personal staff ministry mentor

How long is the program?rfinke2018-09-06T17:20:27-04:00

How long is the program?

This one-year program runs July 1 through June 30

Who are good candidates for this program?rfinke2018-11-01T11:24:20-04:00

Who are good candidates for this program?

American Christians who

have an undergraduate degree or are in Bible college
feel called to ISM and want to learn how to do it
are eager to grow in cross-cultural sensitivity

Program Details

Cost	Participants raise $1250 – $1800/month to pay for ministry and living expenses
Process	Submit a 500-600 word essay outlining why you are applying, what knowledge and skills you will bring to the program, and how the apprenticeship will support your ministry goals. If selected, you will complete an employment application and reference forms
Application Deadline	January 1 for the following July
Contact	Russ Sermon, ISMAP Director International Friendships, Inc. 1520 Old Henderson Rd, Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43220