International Families Outreach Project

What Is IFOP?

    International Families Outreach Project (IFOP) serves spouses and families of international students and scholars living on North Campus. Initiated in the summer of 1996 (formerly called North Campus Outreach Project),  IFOP offers a variety of free services to reduce stress, cultural isolation and help residents network with each other.

    International families have unique assets and needs due to cultural differences. Thus, this collaborative project involves a team of scholars, community residents, service providers in implementing the services to meet the needs and draw upon the strengths of international families.

    IFOP is located in Family Housing Resource Center (FHRC) at 2364 Bishop #7. Within the structure of FHRC, IFOP collaborates closely with other service units of FHRC to better serve North Campus residents. 

    Collaborating units as well as volunteers/students who help staff in providing services are also integral part of IFOP. For questions please feel free to call (734)647-5615 or e-mail us at ifop@umich.edu . We have staff members who speak English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Malay, and Arabic.

Mission Statement

The International Families Outreach Project (IFOP) aims to:

  • Provide community-based services for spouses and families of international students and scholars on the University of Michigan North Campus;

  • Increase the knowledge base of the needs and strengths of international families;

  • Clarify and support individual rights and access to information and services on behalf of international families (advocacy);

  • Promote cross-cultural sharing and understanding of the differences among residents;

  • Seek partnerships with University divisions and community agencies so that more comprehensive understanding and efficient services for this population will be provided;

  • Promote cooperative community-living and community-building, and culturally and linguistically diverse neighborhood environment that facilitates participation of the residents.