Thank you for your interest in serving internationals. In order to remain in good standing with the universities that our students attend, our Volunteer Policy states that volunteers need to be screened using a background check. (NOTE: The background check consent form uses the terms "employment" and "hired." Even though you are being considered as a volunteer with IFI, the "Fair Credit Reporting Act" considers volunteers as unpaid employees. We apologize for any confusion. Contact George Chow at for additional clarification)
Complete Consent Form For Background Check
Frequently Asked Questions about Background checks
Why does IFI require a Background Check?
In 2011 the one of our partner universities asked us to have our volunteers undergo a background check. In order to keep the doors of ministry open we decided to require it of all volunteers who have direct contact with students in their home or one-on-one outside of their home. The only exceptions are made for university students or staff since many universities have already required they do a background check.
How will IFI protect my social security and other personal information?
With the identity theft that is going on today, we certainly need to be careful whom we give our information to. That is why IFI is committed to keeping your data private and secure, so we have partnered with Protect My Ministry. This organization is also utilized by the Southern Baptist Convention, the Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod, the Church of the Nazarene to name a few. They are a reputable background checking organization, and will be keeping all of the data secure. You may learn more about them here: protectmyministry.com.
What if something shows up on my Background check?
We consider each situation on a case by case basis. We will look at the whole picture and take into consideration that it may not reflect your current life character development. We will not be sharing the results of this with anyone at universities or anywhere else.
Can I send you the results of a Background check I have already had for work or other organization?
We will not accept background checks or copies of background checks from other organizations.
There are only 3 exceptions to this policy:
- You will be doing an activity that does not involve direct contact with students.
- You are a scholar or staff member at a university we serve on.
- You are an international with a temporary visa status.
If any of these exceptions apply to you, please email Nick at and tell us which it is.
We are asking all IFI volunteers to consider a donation of $10 to help IFI defray the cost of completing background checks. If you would like to donate, please use one of the two options below:
1.Use your bank's ONLINE BILL PAY or mail a check to:
International Friendships, Inc.
PO Box 933319
CLEVELAND OH 44193
Please write "BACKGROUND CHECK (IFI HOUSTON)" on the check memo line or in the memo or account field in your online bill payer.
2. Credit Card online (see form on this page)
We look forward to partnering with you! Thank you!
