Are you a new student arriving in Columbus, OH for the first time? Are you a returning student who is coming back from a Summer visit overseas to study in Columbus, OH? (Studying in another city? Visit our national webpage to search for other IFI locations).
We are delighted that you have decided to check out the free services that we offer to students who need a ride from the airport and/or temporary housing for up to 4 nights upon arrival.
What is IFI? IFI is an OSU student organization and Columbus area community group with helpful, generous, and culturally sensitive volunteers that like making friends with international students and offer hospitality at no charge.
How is IFI’s complimentary Airport Pick Up Service different from Uber? IFI’s Airport Pick Up Service is not just a free ride from the airport, but an opportunity to begin a friendship with a local volunteer who is eager to help you get settled. The IFI Airport Pick Up Hosts often take newly arriving students out for a meal, help students shop for groceries or other personal items, and advise on choosing a bank or cell phone company and other things that come up while settling into their new home!
For more details, click here.
IMPORTANT NOTES TO REMEMBER:
- This service is also extended to FAMILY MEMBERS or FRIENDS who are accompanying a student or scholar that is arriving to study at a university in Columbus, OH.
- We do not have the resources of a transportation business (buses, vans, etc.) to transport multiple students together. We coordinate volunteers who typically can only transport two or three people and their luggage per vehicle. Some volunteers have a van and can take four or five with luggage.
- While we try to help students who sign up a few days prior to their arrival, it is sometimes difficult to find hosts with short notice. Therefore, we ask that, if possible, you please sign up for airport pick up help at least five (5) business days before your arrival and request help with temporary housing at least ten (10) business days before your arrival. (Please note: temporary housing requests are for no more than four (4) nights.)
Before Completing the form:
- All “Required” Fields must contain the correct information so that we can properly note your information and communicate with you during your traveling process. For example, in the field called “Country of Citizenship,” please select the country that issued your Passport or the country in which you were born.
- When filling out your request, please have your itinerary in front of you & double check that all the information that you type is accurate before submitting your request.
- If the form below is not working, please send an email the Volunteer Coordinator immediately at .