By: Min Shin, Azure Chesney and Adenike Samuel
Sue and Walter Johnston
State College, Pa- Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and making new friends might be hard for anyone, but some international students at Penn State have found an easier way to make this transition.
Sue and Walter Johnston, a couple who have also experienced adapting to a foreign country are the leaders of The International Christian Fellowship (ICF), an organization that helps International Students adjust to life in America and more specifically, State College.
Their passion for helping these students derived from their missionary work in the Philippines where they lived for over twenty years. Sue Johnston explains one of the reasons why she feels most compelled to reach out to these students.
“The biggest reason for me is that god says in his word, that we are to treat the aliens like ourselves and we are to love them and I just think that is very important.” Sue said.
Sue and her husband participate in many activities to help out the ICF members including: teaching English, conducting bible studies, providing rides to church on Sunday’s and planning trips.
ICF Winter Retreat
Every Wednesday, Walter holds Reading Aloud Practice sessions, where he dedicates his time to teach English to those who aren’t familiar with the language.
The class has options for all learning levels and features curriculum that helps students acclimate best to the American culture.
“One of the thoughts we have is if our kid is in Russia, China or somewhere else, what would we want someone to do for them,” Walter said.
Walter’s office is held on campus at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, where all beliefs, traditions and cultures are accepted.
Joel Bombile, a Ph.D student at the university says how he has found refuge at the center and within the organization.
“There is a little bit of struggle with loneliness and the International Christian Fellowship provided a place for community, for friendship and also, I could relate to the other international students going through the same adjustment,” Joel said.
The Johnston’s plan on continuing their fellowship with the international students and are hoping to see more growth within the organization.
International Christian Fellowship Staff