#2-Friendship Partner Ministry: WHO ARE THE INTERNATIONAL WE SERVE?

We serve international students, researchers, staff, soldiers, and faculty at the campuses of the CSRA. We focus specifically on those internationals who come to our area with plans of eventually returning to their
home country.

Medical College of Georgia
The largest campus we work with is the Medical College of Georgia. A significant portion of the international population at MCG falls under the “visiting scholar” category. These are doctors (M.D. & Ph.D.) engaged in various types of medical research. Dozens of countries are represented, but Chinese researchers make up a majority. Some scholars are here alone, but many bring their families (spouses, children, parents) with them. They will be here for several months to five years.

Fort Gordon
Officers from the militaries of European, African, and Middle Eastern countries are well-represented at Fort Gordon. The majority of international officers are male. A few travel here with their families, but the majority are here alone. These military students will be here from 4 to 12 months. Because of the short duration of their stay, many do not purchase a car and thus are eager for any chance to meet Americans and travel off-post, even if only for a few hours.

University of South Carolina – Aiken
Undergraduate students from Europe and the Americas make up the majority of internationals at USCA. Most of these students are younger (early 20s) and are single. Many are here on athletic scholarships, so outside of class, these students spend a lot of time on the basketball court, soccer field, or tennis court. These students miss their families and are eager to be welcomed by an American family!

Other Campuses
We also are connected with international students, faculty and staff at other area campuses, including Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, Aiken Technical College. From time to time we also work with internationals who are not connected with a particular school or campus but are in the area for work or family reasons.