IFI at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

GET CONNECTED

Here are a few popular ways to interact with us.

ARRIVAL & GETTING SETTLED

Will you be arriving at UIUC? Let us know so we can welcome you (temporary housing also available). We look forward to meeting you!

FRIENDSHIP PARTNER PROGRAM

Improve your English with the help of a native English speaker. We have American volunteers who are willing to meet with you for an average of one hour per week.

LIFE & BIBLE DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES

Build meaningful friendships by meeting regularly with a small group of other international students and American volunteers to learn more about the Bible.

International Friendships (IFI)

International students often struggle with culture shock, stress, and loneliness when leaving their homes to study in the US. International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) is a national organization partnering with local churches, universities, and volunteers to provide life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students. We work strategically to make the world feel at home and extend God’s love globally — right where we are.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

We put on big and small events throughout the year. Come make an American friend!

Yes! I want to be notified about International Friendships' activities! Sign up!
- Jan 9, 2023 until Jan 11, 2024
Enjoy the Friendship of an American Family while you are here! Sign up!
- Jan 10, 2023 until Jan 10, 2024

See all upcoming events

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

When I came to a unfamiliar country to go start my life in a totally different culture, my hosts, John and Cyndi, helped me to make the first step and made me feel like home. Airport pick-up and temporary housing are definitely helpful to me, but they gave me more than that, which let me have a strong faith in my future student life in America. They are really nice people!

Guanlong

Jennifer picked me up at the airport, and when I moved in to my new apartment, she helped me to move the mattress by a van. It helped me a lot. And now we are actually good friends since we can meet in IFI Bible Discussion and English Conversation Club. Thanks to IFI! Your work in helping the new international students is very impressive and kind. Thanks!

Sunita

Thank you for giving us the chance to enjoy the holiday with an American family. Jay picked us up and took us to his house. We had some delicious food and had a chat with each other. We will participate in this event again. We felt very good because we celebrated the holiday with a family who gave us a lot of love. It was really a great experience. Thank you!

Yaji