I've found one of the very simplest and most effective ways to get an international ministry started is to have a "Welcome Reception" for new internationals the first week that they arrive on campus.

Supplies needed: decorations, finger foods, drinks, name tags, door prizes, and contact cards

Internationals generally arrive on campus a week early for orientation. Make sure the event is on the very first weekend of school.

1. Advertising: Put up flyers right when they arrive e.g. Internationals: You've traveled far to be here; Let us welcome you! International Welcome Reception, 7 pm, etc. Have colorful flags or a plane/world map on the flyer.

Put the flyers in apartment complexes where internationals live, around campus, and in the Post Office (students check for mail constantly that first week).

2. Overview of Event: Have friendly students welcome the internationals at the door with nametags. Have snack foods and mingle. At some point gather everyone together for a very simple program. Afterwards, serve dessert and mingle some more, trying to begin true friendships.

3. Program. Everyone introduces his or herself from the front, stating his or her country and one interesting fact/thing he or she love about his or her country or city. Sometimes if we have a lot of students, we have them come up in groups by region. It generally ends up being humorous.

4. The XA leader then explains about Chi Alpha: we want to be a friendly face for internationals, help them in their adjustment, & answer questions about Christianity if interested. Make it clear that we would like to be their friend no matter what their level of
interest in Christianity. Then offer an upcoming activity that they might enjoy e.g. XA barbecue.

Have them complete contact forms (name, address, email, phone number, checklist of activities they may be interested in). Have a drawing for door prizes (gift certificate to nearby restaurant, umbrella, etc.) from the forms. Serve cake.

5. Food can be very simple: cut up sandwiches, meatballs in barbecue sauce from Costco, cut up fruit, crackers. Always have a vegetarian option. Have a "Welcome to America" cake.

6. Decorations can be very simple. Put up a banner, "Welcome to America," perhaps in different languages. If you have flags, put them up.

7. Follow-up. Write an email thanking them for coming and reiterating your desire to continue friendship and help them. Invite them again to an upcoming event.