There's
something special about doing things together as a community. Jesus said our
love for one another would be the true sign of His presence. Here are some
activities that some campus ministries have tried which have been
successful.
Get-Acquainted Potluck Dinner
or Fall Reception
Right after school begins, have a potluck at the student center or in a
large home, to which each student brings a dish from his or her country.
Print up invitations that include a map, if necessary. Play a "get
acquainted" game that won't embarrass anyone.
Friday Night
Basketball/Volleyball (or afternoon soccer)
Invite students to whom group members are committed (as well as any other
internationals who may be interested, of course!). Afterward invite everyone
to the student center or a home for snacks or dinner. As always, be
sensitive to dietary restrictions.
Christmas Progressive Dinner
Right after finals, have a dinner where students (Americans and
internationals) open their homes and each serves one course of a dinner.
Teach Christmas carols and read about or explain the history of Christmas.
January Cross-Country Ski
Trip
Near the end of the fall term, plan a trip with internationals and
Americans. Or go between terms. Invite Christians from the same language
groups if there are any known in your region. Find extra warm snow gear for
the internationals.
Saturday Morning Breakfasts
Here is a more relaxed opportunity to gather international friends in your
home or at the cafeteria.
Forum for Internationals
Many have wondered what Christianity is about. Hold the forum on two
consecutive afternoons on campus, so there is time for it to attract others.
Post flyers in many languages inviting internationals. The major objective
is to break down common misconceptions that internationals have about who
Christ is and what a Christian is or does. You can also do this during a
monthly potluck discussion night.
Graduation Party
Find and reserve a spot outdoors early. Plan and prepare all food. If
parties are already planned by international groups, join them!
Be where the internationals are.
Camping Trip
Plan it for right after graduation. Reserve a group camping area. Ask
internationals to cook their national foods. Be sure and obtain recreational
equipment.
Christmas
Parties
Each must bring at least one international friend to the party. Play during
the day; have small group Bible studies about Christmas in the evening,
along with Christmas caroling, tree decorating and presents.
Foreign Dinner
You buy the food. Students from one or two countries work together and teach
group members how to prepare the food.
Going Away Parties
When students are ready to return to their homeland, throw a party. Cake and
ice cream, or something even more elaborate is appropriate.
Hike in the Woods
Find a woodsy, natural area nearby and make a day of it in the outdoors.
Talk about flowers and trees, split wood, smell the pine, and do a meal of
hot dogs or burgers over a grill or open fire.
Summer Picnics
Invite American and international students to Friday afternoon picnics
during the summer months. Play volleyball or engage in some new games for
good interaction.
Retreats
Include international students on your retreats and include them in the
planning and preparation also. Gear-down the retreats from heavy and deep
theological issues to more practical and basic ones.
Culture Events
Bring in speakers for international students. Examples include the local
mayor, fire or police department officials, sanitation workers, school
district employees, Lions and Rotary Clubs, etc.
International Gourmet Club
Have a monthly dinner open to all internationals and Americans. Meet
in your campus center if possible. Feature food, slides/videos, and
entertainment of a different nation each time.
American Culture Class
A guest speaker is invited
from the community to speak for 45 minutes on some aspect of American life.
Topics vary greatly. Volunteers also come and listen to the speaker and then
the group divides into small groups to discuss the topic for 45 minutes. It
is helpful if the speaker brings a vocabulary list. Topics might include:
How to Use the Telephone Book, American Education, Insurance, Dating, Using
Coupons.
Progressive Dinner
Homes are opened and each home serves one course of a dinner.
Cooking Class — American
Style
Suggestion: Have an international student share a favorite recipe once every
few months.
Square Dance
All of our feet seem to be equally illiterate!
Goof-off Day
In an American home. No work! Coffee
and doughnuts and conversation. Cook lunch together. Relax and talk. A small
group works best.
Weddings
Invite internationals to the church for weddings—American style.
Soup Lunch
Bring your own brown bag; we will provide the soup and all share in the
conversation.
Local Tours
McDonalds, a farm, a factory, the jail, the courthouse, etc.
Weekend on the Farm
Arrange for farm families to share their homes and farms with a
student/family for one weekend.