Packing your life into a suitcase is not just a metaphor for international students. It is the starting line. Arriving in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unfamiliar people, they can only hope the community they have stepped into will make space for them.
But that space is not guaranteed. The Traveling Team, a Christian outreach organization, reports that “80% of those students will return to their countries having never been invited to an American home,” and that only 10% of international students are reached by ministries while in the U.S.
In a moment when national rhetoric and policy shifts can heighten anxiety for immigrants and international students, the need for local belonging feels even more urgent. International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) exists to meet that need, not only through events, but through ongoing relationships.
IFI is a Christian nonprofit organization with a stated mission to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students. Founded in Ohio, the organization has expanded to ministry locations across the U.S., including West Michigan, and describes its work as “helping make the world feel at home,” according to the IFI website.
In Grand Rapids, IFI’s local work is supported by Timothy Sleedrecht and his wife, Anjie Sleedrecht, who also help supervise the IFI student club at Calvin. Their background spans multiple countries, including years living abroad, which shapes how they understand culture shock and isolation.
“We know what it’s like to go to another country and feel lonely, to feel lost,” Timothy Sleedrecht said. Anjie Sleedrecht added that while West Michigan can be friendly, it can still be difficult for newcomers to find a deep community.
For Calvin sophomore Nischayata Bishunke, who goes by Nishu, IFI has become part of what makes campus life livable, especially outside the normal rhythm of classes.
“IFI has been deeply rewarding and has improved my Calvin experience,” Bishunke said. “During the breaks I have a place to go, and on weekends I have activities to do. I get to share my culture with other people and also experience theirs.”
Bishunke described IFI as a safety net for international students trying to navigate life off campus. IFI helps connect students to resources like winter gear runs, driver’s license support and community meals, alongside social events designed for relationship building.
Sophomore Aashray Shakya shared that his cousin was able to get his driver’s license thanks to IFI.
Timothy Sleedrecht described IFI as offering both large gatherings and smaller settings. Events include game nights, holiday meals with host families, group outings and discussion dinners centered around themes like leadership and employment skills. The organization also provides service-based support, including pairing students with volunteers for driving practice, helping students look for cars and assisting with furniture needs for students settling into apartments.
For Shakya, IFI’s impact has been both relational and practical. He first heard about IFI through family and began attending events early in his Calvin experience.
“It’s like a place you could go to on the weekends,” Shakya said. “It has positively impacted my time at Calvin.” He added that some of his favorite experiences included outings like ice tubing and summer trips, and he emphasized that IFI creates connections not just with Calvin students, but also with students from other universities in the area.
IFI leaders are also intentional about accommodating all religious faiths and backgrounds. Though IFI is a Christian organization, Anjie Sleedrecht said participation is not limited by faith background.
“We welcome everyone,” she said. “We have Christians, Muslims, Hindus and students who are just curious. This is not only for international students, and it is not only for Christians.”
The Calvin IFI community includes students from a wide range of backgrounds, including students from Nepal, China, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, India and more. Events also draw students from the nearby campuses of Grand Valley State University and other colleges in the region.
For American students, IFI extends the same invitation. Show up, learn names, share a meal and become the kind of friend who makes a place feel less foreign. “We feel like part of our ministry is to help Americans be exposed to other cultures, because it really does give you new perspectives, a bigger worldview,” Timothy Sleedrecht said.
IFI Leadership wants every student to know that they are wanted and loved.
To learn more about IFI in Grand Rapids, visit IFI’s main website and look for the Grand Rapids location page. You can also follow the Grand Rapids chapter on Instagram at ifigrandrapids.
