International students at Iowa State can find help and guidance from Ames resident David Eggert. In a speech delivered by Eggert Saturday evening in the Nook Room of the Memorial Union, he said he offers international students “social, physical and spiritual support.”

Eggert’s involvement with and empathy toward international students stems from living 15 years of his life overseas as a student and businessman in Istanbul, Turkey; Limassol, Cypress; and Paris, France.

“We see ourselves as a resource [for these students],” Eggert said.

Eggert graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in microbiology/chemistry from Eastern Michigan University in 1976.

In 1980, Eggert packed two suitcases and sold everything else he owned to go to Istanbul.

“I was with two other single men,” Eggert said. “We decided to split up and find families to live with or else we would never learn the language.”

Eggert said the family he found was eager to help him understand their culture and feel at home. “I want to offer these students the same opportunity,” he said.

From 1981 to 1985, Eggert studied the Turkish language and history at Istanbul University. After eight years in Istanbul, Eggert made a decision to move to Cypress Island with his wife, Karen, and their two children.

“We had our third child in Paris,” Eggert said. “After our child was speaking French more than English, we realized that we needed to make a decision to either stay in Paris or move.”

They decided to come to Ames in 1992.

In 1993 Eggert received his master’s of arts degree in pastoral studies from the International School of Theology.

He is currently active in various international student activities at ISU, including the Fellowship of International Student Hosts dinners held during the school year for international students.

“Every other Friday night, at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Lutheran Church, we offer dinner to international students and charge only $1,” said Bob Norton, who works with international Asian students at ISU.

In his closing remarks, Eggert spoke of the difference between Christianity and the other religions he has encountered.

“The message of Christianity is really one of God turning the other cheek to us — not us to him,” he said.

Max Gassman, professor of mechanical engineering who attended Eggert’s speech, said his encounters with international students have led him to feel they are much more aware of “sin and judgment” than a lot of American students.

“The topic of God comes up quickly,” he said. “It’s far easier to talk about spiritual things with [international students] … because they’re eager to talk about them.”

Eggert’s speech was sponsored by the Ames Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International.