New Student Outreach for Internationals
Use this toolkit to make outreach and follow up with international students easier. It includes FAQ & templates for follow up messages.
View NSO Follow-Up Toolkit (pdf)
Check out these tips on how to engage international students with cultural wisdom:
3 Things to Know
- Year-Round: NSO happens year-round each time a new student steps off the plane. Connecting ASAP and serving practical needs builds trust.
- Tabling: Flags, world maps, int'l languages, food, and music can attract attention at tables and make int'ls feel more at home.
- Persistent Invitations: Multiple invites are needed in some cultures. Grad students may take longer than short-term students to explore organizations.
3 Things to Avoid
- Assumptions: Don’t assume homogeneity. Culture, English proficiency, etc. may vary. Be a learner. Notice their assumptions.
- False Advertising: Be sure publicity identifies your group as Christian and invites mention Christian activities so expectations are clear. tiny.cc/evan-ethics
- Gender Boundaries: Some cultures have strict gender segregation. Avoid 1-to-1 follow-up, touching, or being too friendly with the opposite gender.
3 Things to Try
- Cooperation: Work with your school’s international student office or provide services they can’t, like tours, furniture, and American cultural experiences.
- Personal Follow Up: When you meet, exchange phone numbers or messenger IDs. Expect longer visits to homes. Learn to pronounce their native names.
- Genuine Friendship: Go deep with a few rather than befriending 100. It may lead to meeting their entire networks.
Purchase ISM items in the InterVarsity store for your NSO table here:
Resource Topic - Primary
Resource Type
Community
Audience
