Why You Should Get Involved

Annually, the Columbia area welcomes more than 1,000 students and visitors from other countries (The State, November 28, 2002).

Their stay here affords us the opportunity to be citizen diplomats showcasing the culture of the United States and fostering better understanding of the world's diverse cultures and enriching our lives. As the international community in Columbia continues to grow and the economy is increasingly global and interdependent in nature, we win by welcoming diversity and by advancing opportunities to communicate with those from other countries.

So, what can you do?

Become a CCFI Member

Support the work of the Columbia Council for Internationals by becoming a member. Your membership will pay for special programs such as museum tours, food served at various social functions, short-term student loans and more. The CCFI is a lean volunteer organization on a tight budget, and our funds go to serving our students. CCFI is a non-profit 501c(3) organization, and membership is tax-deductible.

Click below to join the CCFI online with your credit card using Click and Pledge's secure financial processing.

Click here for a printable contribution form that can be mailed with your check.

Volunteer and More

We need your help in other ways:

• donate household goods
• pickup and delivery of goods
• arrival assistance
• help with social events
• provide refreshments and food
• assist international visitors

Click here to volunteer or donate goods what you can do to help.

Become a Community Host

Extend your friendship to an international student and help him or her adjust to life in the Columbia area and discover how rewarding it can be to spend time with someone from another country.

Your student would not live with you; instead, you and your student would spend time together as you both want to. Most of our hosts invite students to meals in their homes and to participate in activities that are enjoyable and enlightening to both.

Click here to become a community host.