About Us

Our Journey, Your Support System

CRISTAM was created to address the unique needs (accommodation, food assistance, transportation, mental health support) of international students enrolling in study abroad programs in America. These essential needs are crucial to their well-being as first or third-generation students in the States. CRISTAM aims to be a supportive resource for international students throughout their programs, regardless of their country of origin, race, or gender.

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Our Core Values

We empower international students through inclusive support, strong collaboration, and a commitment to excellence helping them thrive every step of the way.

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Empowerment:

We equip international students with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their journey and thrive in a new environment.

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Inclusivity

Cristam is a safe and welcoming space for students of all nationalities, cultures, and identities where everyone belongs and feels seen.

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Collaboration

We believe in the power of working together with students, institutions, and partners to build meaningful solutions that enhance the student experience.

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Excellence

We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable resources and support that make a real difference in the lives of students we serve.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Real experiences from international students who’ve used Cristam to settle, connect, and succeed in the U.S.

I came to the USA in 2022 for my master’s in Sociology at WMU, and adjusting to a new environment without family support was overwhelming. Navigating an unfamiliar culture and online-based education system made things even harder. Luckily, I had a friend like Abolaji, who was always there to guide me—whether it was understanding course requirements, managing a budget, or coping with uncertainty. Finding a true friend here isn’t easy, but Abolaji’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering support made my journey as an international student much easier, and I will always be grateful to him.
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Fariha Tabassum, Bangladesh
Moving to the U.S. was a long and challenging journey, especially since I arrived at Western Michigan University without any contacts or support. Navigating a new country and system on my own felt overwhelming, but then I found assistance through Cristam. With kindness and dedication, they guided me through essential steps—helping me obtain a SIM card, set up my bank account, and understand how things worked, from using public transportation to handling important documents carefully. They also taught me the importance of respectful interactions and adapting to cultural nuances. Thanks to Cristam’s support, my transition became much smoother, and I’m incredibly grateful for their help in making me feel at home.
Elton Kwashie
Elton Kwashie, Ghana
I reached out to Abolaji on LinkedIn before I got to the US. He didn’t know me before, we had never met; yet he arranged accommodation for me, ensured I had transportation, provided many basic things I needed as a newbie in the States, and so much more…all without taking a dime. Solid guy . Glad he’s setting up this company, he’s definitely the guy for it.
kehinde oladeji
Kehinde Oladeji, Nigeria
Moving to the U.S. as an international student comes with many challenges, but good people are still making the transition easier. I drove over 45 minutes to pick up something I needed, and it was completely worth it. The person behind this has a true giving spirit—helping international students isn’t just something he does, it’s who he is.
roger miret
Roger Miret, Spain

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) 

What is CRISTAM?

CRISTAM stands for Connecting Resources for International Students in America. It’s a digital hub created to support international students in the U.S. by providing access to essential resources, community support, a student-led forum, and a trusted marketplace.

CRISTAM is designed for international students living, studying, or planning to study in the United States. Whether you’re new or have been here for a while, CRISTAM helps you find tools, connections, and real-life solutions to navigate student life.
 

On CRISTAM, you’ll find:
    •    A forum to ask questions and share experiences
    •    A marketplace to buy, sell, or promote student-related products and services
    •    Guides and tips on adjusting to life in the U.S.
    •    Mental health and community support resources
    •    Regular updates and opportunities shared by fellow students

Yes! CRISTAM is completely free to join and use. Some vendors may sell products or services on the marketplace, but access to the platform, forum, and community is free

Yes! If you’re a student, vendor, or small business owner, you can list items or services relevant to the international student community. Just create a vendor account, follow our posting guidelines, and start sharing.

You can choose to share your business phone or email, but for privacy, we recommend using CRISTAM’s internal messaging system when possible. Never share sensitive information publicly. Learn more in our [Vendor Privacy Guide].

It’s simple! Just visit www.cristam.com (http://www.cristam.com/) and sign up. You can then create a profile, explore the forum, post in the marketplace, and access helpful resources.

Yes! The forum is a safe space for questions about housing, school, mental health, cultural adjustments, and even immigration-related concerns. Please note: for legal issues, we recommend consulting a professional.

CRISTAM is built by and for international students—we combine real-life advice, local resources, and a student-run marketplace, all in one place. It’s not just a platform—it’s a community.

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