Genuine Friendship
Life is Community!
What a difference one good friend can make to relieve the ache of homesickness and loneliness. Opening our homes and lives to international students, and encouraging other Christians to do the same, is a huge part of GSO. We love to see bridges of friendship and understanding being built, creating a sense of community in which local and international people come together, learn about each other, share experiences, knowledge, and views. It's so rewarding and enriching for everyone involved!
Three significant ways that relationships are started, grow, and enjoyed, through involvement with GSO:
Local Hospitality
International Community
Recreation
Local Hospitality
A home away from home, a game night to let the stress of school fade for a few hours, some good conversation with friends over a meal or tea & coffee- sometimes it's the little things that are the biggest blessings!
GSO seeks to mobilize and work with local churches to help the Christian community be welcoming and helpful to international students, and student families!
Community
Many cultures around the world are more community-oriented than North American culture, and international students can feel the absence of that during the long school year.
So, whether it's a holiday party, or a smaller get-together on a long weekend, or anytime in-between, we know it's important for people to come together, sharing traditions, finding solidarity, friendships, and support with a group of interesting people!
Recreation
Life needs balance!
We plan activities and gatherings to help students relax, have fun and memorable experiences, meet new people, try new things, and relieve the stresses of their demanding academic work.
Whether it's indoor activities or outdoor adventures, we make an effort to plan group events, or recruit volunteers to take a few students on their own outings!
A couple times a year we would love to host trips to explore God's beautiful world around us. Perhaps you would like to join us for a hike, a trip to Yellowstone National Park, the zoo, or museums around Montana!
Here are a few pictures of previous fun and adventures!
