Can you believe that September is right around the corner? For many of us, September brings a return to comfortable routines. But for incoming international students, that isn’t always the case.

Right now, students from around the world are making their way to Canadian campuses.

Can you imagine? Leaving your home and family—maybe for the first time. Dealing with customs and immigration—possibly in a second language. Arriving in a city you’ve only seen online and hoping that the arrangements you made for accommodation and transportation are actually okay. Lots of excitement, but also trepidation. Did I make the right choice? Will I find friends? Will I find my way? Will I be able to handle the coursework? Will I like it here?

At Toronto International Airport, some University of Guelph students are met by the friendly faces of ISMC volunteers.

Guelph is an hour away, and even an Uber is so expensive. So volunteer drivers help them get to their destination. This year, extra flexibility has been required as students faced flight cancellations and rebookings—meaning ever-changing pickup times. But students love the airport pick up program, and are always asking “Why are you doing this?” What a great way to help a new student feel welcomed, and what a great opportunity to invite them to other International Student Ministries events.

ISMC Kamloops welcomes international students at their university’s Welcome Back BBQ during the first week of school.

Volunteers and returning students host an ISMC booth with a huge world map. They invite passing students to label where they are from. Students are excited to find others from their home country, and, by the end of the day, the map is a colourful representation of the very international student body—who have all been invited to get to know other each other at the next ISMC event.

ISMC Edmonton helps international students with moving assistance year-round, but as you can imagine, the beginning of a new school year is extra-busy.

Students are so grateful for the practical help moving into a new place—and also for the prayer of blessing that volunteers offer, praying that this would feel like home even though the students are far from family and friends.

International Student Ministries can’t solve all the challenges that international students face coming to study in a new country. But we CAN welcome them, provide assistance, invite them into community, and love them as Jesus loves. Often, that’s enough to ease the transition and to form relationships that last long beyond those nerve-wracking first days.

During this back-to-school season, can we ask you to add praying for international students to your routines?

You can join us live for a short daily prayer time on Zoom until September 26th. Come when you can; we’ll meet for about half an hour at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET each day (including weekends) to lift up international students at campuses across the country.

You can sign up for weekly texted prayer requests. Each Wednesday, you’ll be invited to pray for a specific need affecting international students—a simple way to minister to international students in Canada.

Thank you for your heart for international students. We’re excited to see what God has planned for this new school year!

Cam Janzen
ISMC President & CEO