WELCOME NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AIRPORT PICKUP
Will you be the first US American to greet an international student upon his or her arrival? Take the chance to make a great first impression of our country!
There may be opportunities to pick up students at the beginning of the semester. In addition, students may need rides to or from the airport on other occasions. Would you be willing to minister to students in this way when you are available? This is an excellent opportunity to build relationships and get to know students.
Contact Dawnita () for more information.
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS &
INTERNATIONAL GATHERINGS
Welcome new internationals before classes start. Come, meet new students and join the fun -- Enjoy conversation, games and food! Assist with other International Gatherings by making students feel at home and helping with food or games.
Reach out to Dawnita () for updates on upcoming opportunities to welcome students.
FRIENDSHIP PARTNERS / HOSTS
Would you like to befriend an international student and help them adjust to life in America? This is a wonderful way to minister to students, helping them feel like they have a home away from home. It gives students the opportunity to connect with people in the U.S. and see what American homes are like. Include international students in your own activities. This allows them to find out more about American culture.
We would love to help you get connected. Friendship Partners / Hosts must complete an application, provide references, go through brief training, and complete a background check. To apply to be a Friendship Partner or host, go to https://salem.ifipartners.org/
For more information about this program, contact Dawnita ().
THANKSGIVING OR HOLIDAY HOSTING
Add some international flavor to your holiday celebration by inviting some international students to share your holiday meal with you, your family and/or your friends!
Check back for details or reach out to Dawnita ().
BIBLE AND LIFE DISCUSSIONS
Many students are eager to talk about life issues and different worldviews. As you are helping students and connecting with them in various activities, use opportunities to find out about their spiritual background and invite them to a voluntary Bible Study. We can use volunteers to help students feel at home, help with food, share their story, or help lead a study.
Contact Dawnita () for more information.
CULTURAL TRIPS
Show internationals the beauty of America! Help drive and join students in sight-seeing as they enjoy God's creation and the culture of various localities. Examples of cultural trips: Oregon coast, Columbia Gorge, Silver Creek Falls, Oregon State Capitol, shopping trips in Portland and Salem and outlet malls, etc.
Check back for details or contact Dawnita ().
