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.

Check out these tips on how to engage international students with cultural wisdom:

3 Things to Know

1. Year-Round: NSO happens year-round each time a new student steps off the plane. Connecting ASAP and serving practical needs builds trust.
2. Tabling: Flags, world maps, int'l languages, food, and music can attract attention at tables and make int'ls feel more at home.
3. 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

1. Assumptions: Don’t assume homogeneity. Culture, English proficiency, etc. may vary. Be a learner. Notice their assumptions.
2. False Advertising: Be sure publicity identifies your group as Christian and invites mention Christian activities so expectations are clear. tiny.cc/evan-ethics
3. 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

1. Cooperation: Work with your school’s international student office or provide services they can’t, like tours, furniture, and American cultural experiences.
2. Personal Follow Up: When you meet, exchange phone numbers or messenger IDs. Expect longer visits to homes. Learn to pronounce their native names.
3. Genuine Friendship: Go deep with a few rather than befriending 100. It may lead to meeting their entire networks.