As International students arrive on campuses throughout the United States, they are immersed in a completely different culture. InterVarsity staff and students are eager to welcome them into witnessing communities. New Student Outreach activities are planned to help internationals meet new students and get involved on campus.

Several different events are unique to ministry with International students. Many students arrive with only their personal belongings, such as clothing, and most do not have any household items. Many campuses host furniture give-aways and rummage sales to help international students set up their apartments or rooms in their host homes. The items available are donated from both students and members of the local community. Grocery store trips, as well as excursions to big box stores are also planned.

Since many Internationals arrive during the summer months, picnics and bonfires are great for getting to know other students and asking questions about life on the college campus. Some picnics are potluck style, where students are encouraged to bring foods specific to their home countries and share part of their culture.

Sight-seeing trips are also available on some campuses, which allow internationals to explore parts of the United States. Over the past few years, students in Kentucky organized a trip to New York City; while international students in Wyoming explored Yellowstone National Park. International students attending the University of Wisconsin—Madison tour around the city with volunteers to discover the various shops and restaurants Madison has to offer.

While sharing Christ’s love and the Gospel with all students is important, specific events are planned for international students who have come into a new culture. Ministry to international students is a great opportunity, as some have never heard the name of Jesus.

Fast Facts

There are approximately 500,000 international students studying on U.S. college campuses, making up eight percent of the U.S. college student population. The country sending the most students to the U.S. is India, followed by Mainland China, South Korea and Japan.

Download or listen to Terrell Smith, an international student ministry specialist on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, talking about his work on campus. His presentation was given in a chapel service at InterVarsity’s National Service Center.