International
students are relationship-oriented and desire to be with others like them.
Just like the rest of us, they are looking for security, acceptance,
love, self-respect, empathy and support.
They all share a common desire for deep and lasting friendships.
There are as many ways to initiate relationships with internationals
as there are nationalities. Here
are a few suggestions for your campus ministry as you consider this
important program:
-
Pray for
the Spirit's leading and for receptive attitudes.
-
Contact the
foreign student advisor on campus several weeks before the term begins
and individually or as a group; offer
to help with the orientation program.
-
Welcome
internationals when they arrive at the beginning of the year.
Meet
them
at the airport, bus or train terminal.
One Christian student group has members work in shifts to meet
incoming flights at the airport to offer assistance.
Another group puts up a sign at the airport several weeks before
the term begins with a telephone number offering assistance to newly
arriving students.
-
Befriend
internationals by sitting next to them in lectures, lounges or dining
halls, or focus on a particular housing area or nationality. Once you have established a single friendship, the entire
cultural group often becomes receptive.
-
Share meal
time with them. Ask if you
may sit with them at the meal table.
-
Attend
international clubs on campus to learn about other cultures and meet
students. The student
activities office should have a list of existing clubs.
Participate
in cultural clubs' activities on campus.
Ask questions and get to know the leaders.
-
Be in the
specific places on campus where different nationalities consistently
congregate. These are good
places to initiate conversations and distribute publicity announcements.
-
Visit
beginning English classes and entry level classes in the sciences since
they are often filled with many internationals.
Obtain advance permission from the professor for this. Give him/her your reason for wanting to sit in on the class.
You may also be given permission to make announcements and
present information about activities and services your group is offering
for internationals.
-
Staff a
campus information and outreach table where internationals can sign up
for various relational activities like conversation partners and
recreational and cultural events organized by your group.
-
Offer your
services to the ESL school to serve as a conversation partner with
internationals.
-
Advertise
special, campus-wide social events at the beginning of the term for
internationals with the aim of getting to know them and following up
with personal friendships.
The initial timing of our
ministry of friendship is critical.
Early friendship and early hospitality are important.
The most difficult time for any student, and the time when your help
is needed most, is at the time of arrival and immediately after.
Internationals' experiences during their first few weeks in the
United States will greatly influence their adjustment to and feelings about
campus life and American culture. An
ongoing relationship is essential.
To
successfully convey the Gospel, we must care for our international guests as
people first. We
must become committed friends, going beyond superficiality, serving them as
fellow human beings, equal in worth, though different in personal
characteristics, Christian or non-Christian.
Only then do we gain their trust.
We must listen to them carefully, allowing them freedom of
expression, respecting their expertise.
Prepare
for a long-term commitment.