Check out these tips for becoming a multinational chapter:

3 Things to Know

1. Inclusivity: Multinational chapters intentionally include internationals in their vision and mission but are not exclusively for internationals.
2. Presence: Multinational students and volunteers (internationals, immigrants, refugees, and third culture kids) are on every U.S. campus.
3. Global Perspective: Multinational students and volunteers bring the gift of global perspective and often spiritual curiosity or spiritual leadership strengthened under persecution.

3 Things to Avoid

1. Isolation: Avoid siloing International Student Ministry (ISM). ISM small groups or subgroups can feel isolated if they’re not integrated into chapter life.
2. Judgment: Avoid judging something you don’t (yet) understand as different cultural practices and views can easily cause dissonance and disconnection.
3. One-Way Relationships: Avoid one-way relationships. Historically, Western hosts have leaned towards giving vs. receiving, teaching vs. learning.

3 Things to Try

1. Reflection: Ask: how am I and my chapter being shaped by the nations and challenged by the global church?
2. Invitation: Invite multinational students and volunteers—those who didn’t grow up primarily in the U.S.—to lead and shape your chapter.
3. Discussion: Invite multinational students and volunteers into discussions on U.S. issues and bring global concerns into conversations and chapter life.

Open Multinational Chapters 3x3 Graphic

10 Ways to Make Space for a Multinational Community

• International Items: Include one international item when you serve food, decorate, or table (e.g., world maps & flags). Ask internationals for ideas or help.
• Social Media: Follow @intervarsity.multinational on Instagram & share selective posts on your chapter account.
• Cultural Visits: Visit a restaurant or grocery store with internationals or recent immigrants. Try something new from their country. Follow the lead of your international friend. It’s OK to make mistakes or be unaware of cultural traditions.
• International Meal: Host an international meal. Ask an international student or recent immigrant to teach you or your chapter how to cook a dish from their country. Try an international potluck—be sensitive to dietary restrictions.
• Scripture Acting: Act out a passage of Scripture. It aids understanding for English learners and anyone unfamiliar with the Bible. Have fun with it!
• Bible Study: Use one of these passages for a large group talk or Bible study.
• Global Prayer: Pray for the world using an IFES or world map. Invite international students to lead or teach you something about their home countries.
• Prayer Requests: Invite an international student, recent immigrant, or refugee to share a prayer request for their country with the chapter. Pray together for them and their country.
• U.S. Experiences: Organize an “experience the U.S.” activity internationals are most interested in (e.g., pumpkin carving, Christmas caroling, sightseeing at a popular local spot).
• Celebrate Holidays: Celebrate holidays around the world (e.g., Lunar New Year, Holi, Ramadan). Attend a campus event or co-host with a student organization celebrating these holidays.