- Attend an event or activity sponsored by The International Link. These events are specifically designed to encourage interaction and relationships between Americans and internationals.
- Take your international friend to your child’s sporting event, musical recital, or similar event.
- Invite your friend to your home for dinner. A fancy spread is not required – just add a plate to the table and serve what you would normally serve for dinner.
- Involve your friend in household chores on a Saturday – mowing the yard, cleaning out the garage, painting a room. They want to learn about and experience “normal” American life.
- Play a board game together. Pictionary is a simple game that is enjoyed by many.
- Invite your friend to teach you to cook a meal native to their home country.
- Attend cultural events in the community together: ball games, festivals, picnics, concerts, etc.
- Ask your friend what events or activities he or she would like to experience while in the U.S.
- Help with practical needs of being new to the area: offer to help them find a doctor, locate the DMV, or pick out a cell phone.
- Find out when your friend’s birthday is and celebrate with them.
- Introduce your friend to American holidays. Find out about their national holidays and how they are celebrated and do something special when those holidays arrive.
- Bring your calendar with you when you meet with an international so that you can plan your next get-together while you and your international friend are together. Come prepared with one or two specific dates in mind when you will be available. Many students don’t have transportation, so offer to give them a ride. (After you have scheduled a date to meet again, send an e-mail as a friendly reminder of your plans.)
- When you are swapping information with your international friend be sure to repeat and clarify phone numbers and e-mail addresses! Holidays when classes are not in session, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, Memorial Day, and July 4th, are excellent opportunities to get together with your friend.
- Most of the international students that Link serves are in the Augusta area only temporarily (as little as 6 months, or as much as a few years). It is important that we be intentional and proactive about pursuing a relationship with them. If we wait, they will be gone! Internationals will be thrilled that you express interest in getting to know them better.
- Demonstrate God’s love by serving international students, accepting them, respecting them and their cultures, and their language.
- Don’t underestimate the significance of this opportunity! Many international students are from parts of the world where they would never even meet a Christian, much less be friends with someone who has believed the Gospel. Pray that the Lord will use your friendship with them for His glory.
