Upcoming Events
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For almost 40 years, IFM has organized a weekly dinner and program on Friday evenings. The in-person meetings are in the basement of 1727 Pendleton St. where we have dinner at 7pm and English classes at 8pm. We have continued to host free online and in-person discussion groups and English lessons every Friday as well! Click the button below to register for the in person or Zoom meeting (or contact us to get the weekly topics by email). Participants can choose between English lessons and life-changing presentations followed by discussion. Invite your friends and come along! We often have participants from several continents, as well as friends living here in South Carolina.
We have guaranteed parking spots available near your favorite buildings on UofSC's campus! $400 per semester gets you a reserved place in our well-lit lots. Overnight parking is allowed. Text Raj Aluri at 803-318-0800 or email info@ifmusa.org to secure your spot.
Do you want to have an American Friendship Partner?
Practice your English and get to know a friend
The friendship Partner Program connects International Students who want to get to know an American with Americans who want to connect with Internationals.
There are so many things to do and learn. We will help to connect you to new people who you can share with and learn from.
Most of IFM's activities are back in person.We also have Zoom English classes and discussions. We follow all CDC guidelines at our in person events.
Events by IFM:
Through out the University school year, IFM organizes a weekly Friday Night Friendship dinner/program. Most are held at the Columbia Evangelical Church fellowship Hall (1727 Pendleton St. Columbia, SC). Other larger events are held elsewhere, as noted below: (Note that events may be canceled or postponed due to the pandemic.)
August - Welcome Banquet - 1727 Pendleton st.
October - Fall Fest Dinner - IFM Office
November 19 - Thanksgiving Dinner - First Baptist Church
December 3 - IFM Christmas Party - 1727 Pendleton St.
February 11 - Valentines Dinner - Columbia Evangelical Church
April 15 - Easter Dinner - IFM Office
May - Farewell Banquet - Columbia Evangelical Church
Our Purpose
IFM is a private Christian organization which seeks to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to international students through sincere friendship, hospitality and service.
IFM President
Dr. Raj Aluri is the founder and President of the International Friendship Ministries and the Columbia International Festival. He is also the founder and president of the Agape English Language Institute for Internationals, USA.
IFM History
International Friendship Ministries (IFM) began in Columbia, SC in 1981, in fulfillment of the vision of an international student from India, Raj Aluri.
The International Student Holiday Hospitality/Home-stay Tours are organized by International Friendship Ministries (IFM). We have been offering tours since the early 1980s. Open to international students, scholars, and families of all nationalities and religious backgrounds.
At present, these trips are on hold due to the pandemic, but please contact us if interested; we send current opportunities to hundreds of friends by email.
IFM’s tours are designed to give you an opportunity to...
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Get away from campus during holidays,
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Meet new friends,
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Discover more about the Bible and Christianity
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Visit some of America's most popular attractions at discounted rates!
Friday Night Dinners:
Related Sites:
Columbia International Festival
Agape English Language Institute
610 PICKENS STREET, PO BOX 12504, COLUMBIA, SC 29211
CALL/TEXT/WECHAT: (803) 799-3452 • RAJ: (803) 318-0800
EMAIL: INFO@IFMUSA.ORG