Welcoming International Students.​
Building Friendships.
Learning Together.
About RUF-I
Living far away from home can be really difficult, especially when you are facing the challenges of a new culture. Reformed University Fellowship International (RUF-I) is a student organization at The University of Texas at Dallas that seeks to welcome international students and scholars. We understand how important your studies are, but we also know you came to the U.S. for more than a degree! We want to help you experience the local community and culture, develop lasting friendships with people from all over the world, and learn about the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.
Activities
Dinner and Discussion
Thursdays 7:00-8:30 PM
Begins Fall 2025
This a great way to meet American volunteers and other international students and scholars. Every Thursday, we have dinner (vegetarian and halal options are always included) and a Bible discussion together! Conversations are respectful, intellectually stimulating, and friendly. We will be on campus in various locations, so email us for more information! We'd love to have you join us!
International Student Bible Study
Continuing Fall 2025
We hope you see how amazing God's grace truly is and grow in understanding and living in union with Jesus Christ. Whether you are a Christian seeking to meet other believers on campus and study the Bible in deeper ways or you are curious about Christianity and want to learn more, anyone is welcome to join us and learn together.
Holiday Parties, Group Outings, and More!
We have monthly events on and off campus.
Picnics, Pumpkin Carving Night, Thanksgiving, Christmas Parties, Lake Days, and More! This is a great way to meet local American volunteers and other international students on campus. It's also a good way to explore parts of Texas and traditional American holidays!
Big Howdy
Airport Pickups, Parties, and More
We are a part of the Big Howdy at UTD. If you are a new international student this upcoming Fall semester, you can make sure to have a ride from the airport and enter into a furniture raffle. Visit the link below for more info!
Come visit our booth during the Big Howdy Welcome Party in August!
Justin Smith
Campus Minister
Justin Smith is a native Texan originally from Arlington. He initially got involved with RUF as an undergrad at Belmont University, from which he graduated in 2007.
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Justin met his wife, Kathryn (a Vanderbilt grad and RUF Intern), at RUF’s summer conference in 2010. A year later, they were married and moved to Atlanta, where Justin completed seminary at RTS Atlanta. Justin served for 8 years with RUF (national) at the University of North Texas before coming to UTD.
Justin and Kathryn are excited about welcoming and serving the international students at UTD. They also enjoy cooking and eating new foods, music, day hikes, welcoming folks in their home, and the Texas Rangers. They have three wonderful children: Vivian, Nathaniel, and Eleanor.
Hailey Tarbell
Campus Staff, Part-time
Hailey is thrilled to serve with RUF-I at UTD and to connect with people from around the world and diverse cultural backgrounds. She and her husband, Erik, moved from Southern California to the DFW area in December 2021. They have a joyful and energetic two-year-old son, William, and are expecting their second child in January 2026!
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Hailey and Erik enjoy coffee, reading, spending time outdoors, snow sports, trying new foods and recipes, and being with friends and family.
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Hailey would love to spend time with you on or off campus! Feel free to reach out anytime.
