Dan, Josh, Jim, Mary, and Gabriella Mather
Monday Night Bible Study
Jim teaching at Monday Night Bible Study
Fellowship at Friday Night Dinner
Cake at our Friday Night Dinner
Eating Good Food at Friday Night Dinner
The purpose of FOI is to provide an opportunity for students living in the Mobile, Alabama area to "Make Friends Around the World." Students are invited to participate in the many activities which FOI designs to build friendships and become involved in the local community. Our goal is to make every person feel welcome here in Mobile, regardless of age, race or religion.
There are over 1200 international students At University of South Alabama. Over 300 are from India, 150 from Japan, 100 from Nepal. In all 100 countries are represented from all corners of the earth.
Jim and Mary Mather have been the leaders of Friends of Internationals since July of 1998. Prior to this the Mather Family lived for 5 years in Northern Pakistan helping to establish and direct an eye hospital. Their experience in Pakistan helped them develop an understanding of the importance of hospitality in adjusting to a different culture and lifestyle. They have sought to use this experience in their service of international students at the University of South Alabama. Jim and Mary have three children, Daniel, Joshua and Gabriella. Jim's educational and work background includes being both registered nurse and a medical laboratory technician. Jim was raised in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Mary was educated as a physical therapist and has her primary work experience in pediatrics. Mary grew up in Long Island, NY.
FOI is an official student organization of the University of South Alabama.
Associate Professor
Political Sci/Criminal Justice Dept
HUMB 226, 251-460-7203
zhusain@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Chairman, Dept. of Physical Therapy
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy,
Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences
(251) 434-3575
dfell@jaguar1.usouthal.edu
Join us Monday nights at 8:30pm for Christian worship from our FOI band and bible teaching from Jim Mather. Students can come to learn more about Christianity and the Bible.
One universal symbol of friendship and relationship is to share a meal with one another. Several times a semester, students and community volunteers prepare a delicious meal for all who can join us. These dinners are usually held at the FOI House followed by various fun activities such as games, drama, cultural nights, and more. Check the calendar for exact time and place.
If you can, feel free to join us Friday afternoons to help prepare the meal.
Several times a semester FOI takes a group of students to fun activities like ice-skating, touring the battleship, canoeing, and going to the beach.
Join our running team as we run in Mobile-area 5k and 10k races hosted by Port City Pacers. For the 2005 -2006 and 2006-2007 seasons, our team was #1 in our division.
To serve our local community with practical services in times of need. We have done several trips to help the relief effort for those effected by Hurricane Katrina.
For students who enjoy acting who want to help FOI communicate truth in relevant and enjoyable short skits.
Many students arrive in Mobile with no way to furnish their apartments. Items like beds, mattresses, couches, chairs, and tables which seem like normal amenities, are often luxury items for those studying abroad. Please donate any items you can for student use. Call Jim for details
The task of helping a thousand international students is larger than what just one man can do. Consider volunteering your time. You can help students in a variety of ways. Call Jim for details
Any gift you give will meet students needs. (You can give online at www.gme.org/contribute/)