Open Your Doors and Hearts

Nearly 75 percent of the 725,000 university international students in the United States never step foot into an American home. ISFM provides the opportunity for Christians to open their homes and hearts to university international students and experience a whole new world.

This ministry was created 40 years ago to ease the transition into American culture and the university setting for new international students. ISFM’s objective is to find and match friendship volunteers with international students studying at the University of Houston main campus. ISFM seeks caring, qualified families and singles to befriend these students. This is a friendship ministry, not a live-in exchange program.

There are no rules to successful friendships. All that is required is honest respect for each other’s ideas, customs, religious affiliation and world views.

The friendship volunteer can reap a wealth of enjoyment and satisfaction from the relationship developed through this program. With the proper atmosphere of acceptance and gentle curiosity, the volunteer can learn an immense amount about the student’s country, culture and beliefs. The volunteer can also receive the reward and satisfaction of having made a truly significant contribution to the success of their student’s stay in America. These friendships not only alleviate the student’s loneliness but also secures them in their new surroundings and contribute to successful academic careers.

Who Can Be Involved?

There is no typical host/volunteer. Families with and without children, singles, and single parent families can participate in this ministry. Participants come from all walks of life and have diverse interests. Singles are matched with same gender students.

After Being Assigned A Student, What Is Involved?

Because students have a need to practice speaking English, participants should provide an atmosphere that encourages conversation such as at-home meals and games. Other helpful and fun activities are grocery shopping, airport pickup, apartment hunting, sports, sightseeing, shopping excursions, etc. Several citywide ISFM social events are planned each year for all friendship volunteers and students to attend. Participants have no legal, financial or housing obligations to their international student friends. Participants are requested to respond to occasional UH and ISFM survey emails.

How Long Is the Assignment?

Students may sign up for one semester or for the term of their studies. What may be an initial acquaintance can turn into a lifelong and eternal friendship. Friendship takes time to get to know each other, time to build shared memories and time to invest in each other’s growth.turn into a lifelong and eternal friendship. Friendship takes time to get to know each other, time to build shared memories and time to invest in each other’s growth.

Participation does not require any set amount of time. What develops after a student assignment depends on the mutual interests and convenience of both parties. However, it is recommended that host friends and students attempt to meet once a month on average. Incidentally, major American holiday celebrations are of general interest for many international students.

How To Become Involved

Interested individuals can call the Missions Office of Houston’s First Baptist Church at 713.957.5861, complete the volunteer form, or call or email Marie Downing, volunteer ISFM director, at 713.956.6052 or downings@flash.net.

Before an assignment is made, a completed application form and attendance a one-time mandatory orientation meeting are required. The orientation meeting provides guidelines and helpful cultural suggestions regarding how to develop a meaningful relationship with an international student. International students are also required to attend a separate orientation at the University of Houston.