International Student Ministry
Developing and Sending Global Disciples and Leaders
Welcome to InterVarsity International Student Ministry (ISM)! We’re delighted that you are interested in international students and scholars. Our desire is to befriend, develop and send internationals from every nation to every nation. It’s a great privilege to have the nations on our campuses, not only to welcome and share, but to shape our US American students too. Below you will find key resources to help you get started. Learn more about ISM here.
Contextualized Big Story and Five Thresholds
Do you want to walk along your international friend on their journey towards Jesus? Do you want to share the Gospel effectively with them?
Journey to Jesus is a tool designed for a Christian and their non-Christian friend to walk through together. It helps non-Christians identify where they are on their journey towards Jesus and dialogue with their Christian friends along the way.
New Student Outreach for Internationals
Use this toolkit to make outreach and follow up with international students easier. Includes FAQ & templates for follow up messages.
Friendships with International Students
The United States hosts more international students than any other country. As North American Christians, we have an unprecedented opportunity to develop friendships with international students—to be God’s ambassadors
without leaving home.
Becoming a Multinational Chapter: Making Space for the Nations
What is a multinational chapter? How does your chapter become one? Get an overview with this quick guide.
Developing International Student Leaders
How do we make space for international students to lead in our chapters? How do we develop them? Check out the tips in this quick guide. Then help your team partner across cultures with case studies.
Engaging Internationals – Discerning Your Approach
International students in InterVarsity are generally involved in three chapter settings: ISM (Stand-Alone) chapters: designed primarily for international students, Multinational (M/N) chapters: any chapter that isn't exclusively for international students but intentionally includes them in its mission and practice, Emerging Multinational (EMN) chapters: chapters with international student involvement through little intentionality or effort to include them.
5 Tips for Leading an International Small Group
This resource will help you contextualize as you prepare to lead an international small group.
Peace Feast
Peace Feasts are helping groups across the country grow witnessing relationships with Muslims. Instead of a formal dialogue with guest lecturers and little interaction, Peace Feasts are about heart-level dialogue: Muslims and Christians get together in small groups, share a meal and discuss faith and life.
How to Meet Muslim Internationals
There are Muslim international students on your campus but, while they may be curious, most will not show up at a typical InterVarsity or ministry event. We need to go to them. But it’s very easy to get started. Walking up and introducing yourself is one of the best ways to make a new friend. This resource will teach you how!
Starting an International Small Group
Want to start an international small group on your campus? This resource includes a collection of trainings, handouts, and Bible studies to equip you to develop an international small group.