These questions are helpful tools to find things in common with internationals…
As you get them talking, be a good listener because God will help you use this information to serve them… To show them love… To be the hands and feet of Jesus… And to show you that you have more in common with internationals than you may think!
- How are you?
- Where are you from?
- How long have you been in America?
- How long do you plan to stay in America?
- Do you work or are you a student? (Depending on the answer you can ask more in depth questions about their job responsibilities or what they are studying and how they will use their degree when they return home.)
- Do you like living here?
- What did you expect things to be like when you moved to America? How are things different from your expectations?
- What do you find to be difficult about living here? (This gives you insight in how to pray for them or how to meet their needs if you want to continue a relationship with them.)
- What do you miss from you home country? (This gives you insight in how to pray for them or how to encourage them if you want to continue a relationship with them.)
- What were your first impressions or thoughts when you arrived?
- What part of town do you live in?
- What do you like doing when you are not working or at school?
- Ask about their family. (Are you married? Do you have children? How many brothers and sisters do youhave?… sharing family pictures with each other can be fun.)
- Will your family come visit you here? When was the last time you saw them or when will you see them again?
- What are your favorite foods from your country? Do you like American food?
- Ask about their favorite or famous locations/sites in their country.
- Ask about their cultural and religious holidays in their country. (This usually gives you an open door to share about your favorite tradition or meaningful holiday. )
- Ask to hear their language. (Teach each other greetings and short phrases. There is no better what to show someone love then to learn and communicate to them in their heart language. Even short greetings are special.)
- Invite them to your home!! Exchange email address and cell phones numbers. Offer transportation if you see an opportunity to serve them.
- What things have you done in this city? Have you visited other places in the US? (Share with them about your favorite local places, as well as, sites within 1-3 hours away. Talk about doing some of those things together if they seem interested.)
- Hey, I would love to pray for you. Is there any specific thing I could pray for you about? (This can be said after you have had a good and genuine initial conversation or when the relationship grows a little.)
What to Avoid:
- Avoid politics for either country (yours and theirs)
- Avoid criticizing their religious beliefs or garb.