- Promo videos -
ISI Promo from International Students, Inc. on Vimeo.
ISI Opportunity from International Students, Inc. on Vimeo.
Who Knows from International Students, Inc. on Vimeo.
- Frequently Asked Questions -
I am new to International Student Ministry. I have never dealt with an international student. What is it like?
While it is hard to generalize, international students, as a rule, are curious about America, often lonely, and eager to make an American friend. It is truly a heart-warming adventure. You will learn much about your friend's country and God will often provide open doorways to discuss all aspects of life, including matters of faith. International Students, Inc.'s publication,
The World At Your Door is a good resource for understanding international student ministry. You can order it in PDF format by emailing our Order Department or by calling (800) 474-4147, ext. 111.
The World At Your Door is a good resource for understanding international student ministry. You can order it in PDF format by emailing our Order Department or by calling (800) 474-4147, ext. 111.
Can families do this?
International students share with us that being in an American home is one of the most important objectives they have--next to getting an American education. Incredibly, it is believed that few international students ever set foot into the home of an American family.
It’s also a wonderful experience for a family to be able to engage with people from other cultures.
It’s also a wonderful experience for a family to be able to engage with people from other cultures.
What if I’m single or retired?
This is a great time of life to include students in your activities and relational network, as well as your home life.
How does the hiring process work?
You will be sent an application form after you have submitted an Inquiry Form. Once we receive your application form, you will be assigned a coach to take you through the recruitment modules. After we hear back from your references and you complete the module process, a hire decision will be made. You will be expected to attend the next New Staff Orientation (NSO) in Colorado Springs, CO.
How long does it take?
The timetable of completing the recruitment modules is really up to you and how quickly you complete them, in cooperation with your coach.
What about raising personal support? We will need to consider raising support for some or all
of our income. What is this really like, and how does International Students, Inc. help prepare a candidate to do this?
of our income. What is this really like, and how does International Students, Inc. help prepare a candidate to do this?
International Students, Inc. has one of the best support development training there is, as part of our New Staff Orientation (NSO). You will leave this one-week training with a specific support-raising plan and a coach to see you through the support discovery process. But perhaps more important at this stage is getting comfortable with the concept. International Students, Inc. has two suggested tools for helping staff candidates become more informed about this quite common and biblical method of ministry compensation: 1) an excellent book, entitled Friend Raising by Betty Barnett and 2) another book entitled Funding Your Ministry by Scott Morton. Both books are available on Amazon.com or you may contact us.
May I work for International Students, Inc. part time?
Yes, both full and part-time positions are available.
Will my spouse automatically become staff?
No. If your spouse desires to become staff, he/she will need to apply separately.
What about my own skills and gifts? I would like to look further at how my own skills and gifts
Can be used with International Students, Inc. How would I do this?
Can be used with International Students, Inc. How would I do this?
The quickest way is to look at our The Positions page. Each field staff position comes with a complete Job Description and Job Profile. The Profiles are written with this very question in mind. In each one, you will see questions that get at the heart of each staff position available and will define the gifts/abilities that are most utilized in each position. For further questions please email us.
I've already had a successful career, but sense God leading me to a new beginning in ministry to international students. How does a position with International Students, Inc. fit for someone in
Mid-life wanting to begin ministry as a second career?
Mid-life wanting to begin ministry as a second career?
International student ministry can be an excellent fit for someone looking to leverage valuable life experience into a career with significant worldwide mission impact.
Does ISI provide health insurance?
For those who plan to work 24 hours per week or more, high-quality health insurance plans are available once you’ve raised sufficient support to cover costs.
The International Students, Inc.
- Approach to Ministry to International Students -
International Students, Inc. has a national Code of Ethics for working on campus. All staff and volunteers need to be aware of our concern here and agree to our approach and ethical standards. We desire to have a respectful and cooperative relationship with the International Student Advisor’s office on campus. Supporting the International Student Advisor and even volunteering your services to assist him or her can help bridge the gaps of misunderstanding.
We must respect internationals and never pressure them. Be aware that internationals may not indicate directly to us that they have felt pressured; they may say it by never coming back to us. Below is a good list of guidelines adapted from material presented by Dr. Jack D. Burke, NAFSA Christian SIG Regional Coordinator (and former Director of International Students and Scholars Services at the University of Houston):
We must respect internationals and never pressure them. Be aware that internationals may not indicate directly to us that they have felt pressured; they may say it by never coming back to us. Below is a good list of guidelines adapted from material presented by Dr. Jack D. Burke, NAFSA Christian SIG Regional Coordinator (and former Director of International Students and Scholars Services at the University of Houston):
1. Treat international students with dignity and respect, not as museum pieces or objects to be converted.
2. Focus first on physical and emotional needs of students. Spiritual needs may not surface until mutual trust and respect are established.
3. Students appreciate seeing the sights of the area and being invited to cultural events by Americans. Be cautious about inviting students only to church or other religious activities. Some students say "yes" to these invitations just to be polite. (Naturally, invitations to Christian internationals to attend church and bible studies are very appropriate.)
4. When inviting international students to any kind of Christian meeting or activity, be sure your invitation includes the name of the sponsoring organization and explanation of the nature and purpose of the activity. No surprises!
5. Do not pressure international students about becoming Christians. Internationals are often "turned off" by such encounters. Whatever religion they follow, internationals may be equally devout and may resent these obvious attempts to convert them. Even if they are not religious, you may be perceived as attacking their culture. Such attempts are usually counter-productive and will only serve to damage your and International Students, Inc.’s image and rapport with international students. It is best for religious discussions with internationals to grow out of natural situations.
6. Be aware of and respond to the spiritual needs of Christian international students. Living thousands of miles away from home, they need the prayer support and fellowship of the Christian community.
7. There is no substitute for tangible expressions of love and caring concern.
8. Tread sensitively on issues where political or religious differences exist. Being critical of another’s ideologies, either explicitly or implicitly, is not conducive to good relationships or to a loving witness.
9. Be a good listener to your international friends. We have much to learn. Besides, religious values are often caught, not just taught. Thus, our approach is friendship evangelism, "earning the right to be heard." And always remember 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV): "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
