International Student Ministry

What is International Student Ministry (ISM)?

  International Student Ministry (ISM) is an opportunity for internationals and Americans to develop friendships with each other in a  comfortable setting.

  ISM provides many opportunities for internationals to improve their English conversational skills.

  ISM provides activities for internationals and Americans to share and learn about each other’s country and cultures.

  ISM provides opportunities to learn about the Christian faith and the good news about Jesus Christ.

  ISM includes many volunteers who feely give of their time because of the love they have experienced from Jesus.

What activities are offered?

·     English Conversation Classes

These classes range in size from 2-8 students and are individually arranged to meet the needs of students. To join the English classes, you can register with the ISM Director.

Bible Studies

Pastor Mons and some volunteers teach Bible classes specifically for internationals. The ISM Director will also assist with these classes.

Christian Worship Services

Every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, there is a worship service in the Chapel. If you have never attended a Christian worship service, Pastor Mons, the ISM Director, or student helpers will assist you during or after the service. If you come early, someone can explain how it works. You can also click on “What to Expect on Your First Visit” for more information on worship.

Cooking Classes

Learn how to make different types of American food.

Sports Activities

Throughout the year, Americans and Internationals will learn from each other how to play sports such as American football, cricket, and softball.

Meals and fellowship time

There are many opportunities to taste a variety of food and have good conversation with people from many countries and cultures.

Field trips to local attractions

The list below of “Social Activities” shows some places that the Chapel goes to learn more about the United States and American culture. Everyone (including spouses and families) is welcome to attend even if a person does not attend English classes. Volunteers are also encouraged to attend.

What types of social activities are offered throughout the year?

Barbeques and other food events

Shopping

Apple Picking

Game Nights

Culture Nights

Kalona Fall Festival

Farm Visits

International Meals

Football, Cricket, Basketball and other types of sports

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas Parties, and teaching about other holidays

Skiing Trip

Museum Visits

Bowling

Miniature Golf

Is there a cost for attending English classes and activities?

All of the English conversation classes are free.

There are a lot of free meals and fun activities at the Chapel throughout the year.

The cooking class is typically $2.00 per class.

There may be fees for special outings such as skiing, bowling, or museum visits.

How do I enroll in the English classes and activities?

Contact St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel and ask to speak to the ISM Director, Andrew Bayless. You can contact him at 319-337-3652 or at ismdirector@stpaulic.com. You can also come to the Chapel at 404 East Jefferson Street, Iowa City, IA.

Enrollment can occur anytime during the year by completing the registration form (available from the ISM Director). The ISM Director will try to place you in a conversation class that best suits your needs. There may be a wait period to join a class so please be patient as the ISM Director contacts volunteers to lead the classes. While waiting to join a small group, internationals are encouraged to participate in the large groups activities and conversation classes.

What is the difference between a large group and a small group?

Large groups are open for anyone to join at anytime. Several volunteers help with the large group classes. Generally, the whole group will meet together, and then they will divide into groups of 3-5 internationals with 1-2 volunteers depending on how many attend that day. These classes are good for internationals and for volunteers who are not able to attend conversation classes each week. Any English class printed on the monthly calendar is open for everyone to participate.

The ISM Director arranges small group conversation classes. There are usually three internationals and one volunteer in a group. The small group members set a specific time and day for their group to meet. The people in the group are responsible to each other, which means that if someone has to miss a class they must inform the ISM Director, the volunteer and group members one day in advance. If someone would like to join one of these groups, they must get the permission of the volunteer and the ISM Director. These classes will not be printed on the monthly calendar.

Who can participate in ISM?

All internationals are welcome to participate in the English classes and activities regardless of religious beliefs. Internationals do not need to be Christians to attend the free English classes. The English teachers may use the Bible as a teaching tool for a portion of the English conversation classes.

Families and new friends are welcome at all of the social activities. Parents are also welcome to bring their children to English conversation classes with them.

Interested volunteers can contact the ISM Director to learn more about how to get involved with the various aspects of ISM.

Please talk to the ISM Director with any questions or concerns.

Where do the conversation classes meet?

Typically most conversation classes meet at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel. There are several small rooms at the Chapel that groups can use throughout the day. Some groups meet in the homes of either the volunteer or of the internationals and a few groups may meet on campus near their departments. 

How do I find St. Paul’s?

Click on the Directions link on the homepage. St. Paul’s is located at 404 East Jefferson Street, which is:

·         The corner of Jefferson and Gilbert Streets.

·         The church with the red doors.

·         A 5 block walk up the hill from the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

·         Call 319-337-3652 for help.

When you arrive at St. Paul’s, come to the door by the parking lot. This door is always open during business hours. Inside the door, the ISM Director’s office is to the right and the conversation areas are to the left.

Is there parking available at St. Paul’s?

St. Paul’s has a parking lot. However, ¾ of the parking lot is rented. There are 5 spaces available for Chapel visitors on Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. The visitor parking is the first row as you enter the parking lot. If these spaces are full, we ask that people do not to park in the Chapel’s lot. On the weekends, Chapel visitors can park in any section of the parking lot. Chapel visitors are those who are in the building to speak to either the Pastor or the ISM Director or to attend English classes, worship, and other Chapel events.

If the parking lot is full, there are some parking garages near the Chapel that charge a small fee. There may also be parking available on the streets.

What if I have some other questions?

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask anyone you see in the Chapel, or you may contact the ISM Director Andrew Bayless by phone at 319-337-3652 or by email at ismdirector@stpaulic.com.

You may contact Pastor Mons at 319-337-3652 or at maxmons@juno.com. The Peer Ministry Team members are also available.