Global Buddies Program forges international friendships
By: Susan Culbreth
VCU Global Education Office Intern
Email: culbrethsg@vcu.edu
(Richmond, VA) February 2, 2023 — The Global Education Office’s Global Buddies Program pairs international students with English-speaking volunteers and gives them the opportunity to learn about new cultures, improve language skills and make a friend in the process. Students meet weekly with their buddies on or off campus and can grab coffee, go for a walk, meet up for dinner or explore the greater Richmond area. When joining the program, participants can meet students from all over the world and foster a better understanding of the differences within their cultures.
The program has transitioned from the long-running Conversation Partners Program, the name shifting to "Global Buddies" in August 2022 in an effort to make it feel more friendship-building oriented. Colleen Choate, GEO's global learning coordinator, feels the program gives students the opportunity to forge special connections and gain greater understanding of new cultures.
“The Global Buddies program is the best way for domestic American students and visiting international students to connect directly,” Choate said. “By matching Buddies one-on-one, they are able to foster friendships and break down cultural walls in a way that expands their empathy and enriches their college experiences. Many people remain friends long after the semester is over.”
Two students participating in the program spoke about their experiences as Global Buddies. Caroline Richardson, a sophomore majoring in international studies from Williamsburg, Virginia; and Nilson Hack, a level-three student in the English Language Program from southern Brazil, found a special friendship when meeting each other through the Global Buddies Program.
What made you both interested in joining global buddies?
Caroline: I’m an international studies major, so I was looking around for clubs and organizations that I could join. This one really caught my eye since I’d also have a chance to make a friend as well.
Nilson: I was looking to get more involved and improve my English skills. I thought this would be perfect because I would get to make a new friend in the process.
What kinds of activities do you like to do together?
Caroline: Typically, when Nilson and I hang out we like to go on a walk. Usually we start off by getting a coffee and then we walk around and chat. A couple times we found a park to sit down at and we played cards. We’ve explored The Fan a bit, but neither of us have a car so we usually stay pretty close to campus.
Have you learned a lot about each other's cultures?
Caroline: I’ve gotten to learn a lot more about Brazilian culture than I ever knew before. I’ve never met anyone from Brazil before, so it’s been really cool learning from Nilson. He’s taught me about the differences in education and just small day-to-day social differences.
Nilson: I have gotten to know a lot of random differences in how people live their lives in America and it is interesting to speak to someone with a first-hand experience of that. I also find it special to have someone interested in my culture and want me to share it with them.
How has this made an impact on your English-speaking skills?
Nilson: My English-speaking skills have improved a lot and I have gained a lot of confidence in my speaking abilities! It is really helpful to get that weekly practice in talking to someone that is already fluent.
What is your favorite part about spending time with one another?
Caroline: My favorite thing about spending time with Nilson is just talking. I learn something new almost every time we hang out, whether that be a new video game he bought or something about Brazilian culture.
Would you recommend joining Global Buddies to a friend? Why?
Caroline: There’s a lot of reasons I’d recommend Global Buddies to others. First of all, it’s a great opportunity to make a friend. It’s also a nice way to help an international student adapt to the VCU community. It’s hard being away from one’s home country, family and friends, and Global Buddies offers you the opportunity to be a friend to someone experiencing this tough transition. Additionally, it’s a great way to learn about another culture and open your mind up to social, political and cultural differences within the world.
Nilson: I already have recommended Global Buddies to a few of my friends in the ELP program and I will continue to do so! Not only have I learned a lot, but I have gained a great friend in the process.
The Global Buddies Program application deadline has been extended through February 7. Interested students may submit international student and domestic student applications to be matched. Applications will still be accepted on a rolling basis after the deadline, but a timely match may not be guaranteed after February 7.