The Bucknell Institute for Foreign Students (BIFS) was a summer program to give an orientation to international students attending colleges and universities in the United States. The program operated with cooperation from the Institute of International Education, U.S. Department of State, private foundations, and embassies. The program offered support to learning English skills as well as opportunities for learning about American culture and customs.

Formerly known as the English Language Institute, the Bucknell Institute for Foreign Students was named on May 1, 1951 with Williard Smith as director. He was followed by Frank Merritt in 1956 and Harvey Powers in 1958.

Before 1950, attendees were mostly from Latin America. After 1950, more European and Arab people attended. Annual reports were offered every year from 1951 to 1970. A Laos Program was held once in 1963.

Note that the BIFS 'Foreign Student Advisor' should not be confused with the campus-wide position of the same name. The BIFS Foreign Student Advisor (circa 1955 to 1967) was renamed 'Intercultural and Community' in 1968. Prior to 1968, the extra-curricular tours and lectures were administered by the Foreign Student Advisor and were called 'Special Programs.' From 1968 to 1971, tours and lectures were called 'Intercultural and Community.'