BearX and the Center for Global Learning and Engagement relaunched the Conversation Partners program to connect international and American students.
In collaboration with the Center for Global Learning and Engagement, BearX started the Conversation Partners program for another year to help foster connections between international and American students.
The Conversation Partners program is a platform for all students, regardless of their cultural background. It is a space where students can learn about different cultures and enhance their communication skills.
Sarah Habtemariam, International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator, said Conversation Partners is a program for students to improve their conversational skills. This can involve practicing English, honing language abilities, gaining insights into diverse cultures, building new friendships and participating in campus activities.
Sophomore Merenda Evans said, “I think the only way to learn about cultures is to talk to them. I think it is sad that many Americans are isolated and stick to themselves, a very individualistic culture.”
The program matches students and encourages them to meet for at least one hour weekly for informal conversations. The initiative aims to help students gain cultural awareness, improve language skills and form meaningful friendships.
As an international student, it can be hard to relate to or speak to the students who have grown up in the United States.
Nurlan Serik, an international student from Kazakhstan, said, “It is easier to have honest conversations with other international students because we can relate to each other. We are all in the same boat, experiencing a new culture and situation, which makes it easier to connect and communicate. At the same time, there is an invisible barrier between international and domestic students, such as American and Russian students.”
According to the Conversation Partners program, engaging in open conversations with people from different cultures allows you to learn new things, broaden your understanding of the world and make friends from around the world.
Sophomore Kemella Sayger said, “While in France, I met many international students who broadened my perspective on the world. Despite not speaking Japanese, I made a lot of Japanese friends, and we found ways to communicate. I found the experience cool, and I want to continue connecting with people who are different from me and learning about things I had not even considered before.”
Junior Noah Dorris said, “Events like this are really important for having a more holistic understanding of the world. Little things you do not even notice about your culture are different. For example, when walking down the street in the South, people smile at you and make eye contact. In many European countries, no one does.”
Junior Michael Olamaie said programs like Conversation Partners are important for helping international students.
He said the program fosters connections between domestic and international students, which is particularly beneficial for international students who struggle with conversational English because it may not be their first language. Olamaie said the program helps these students improve their conversational English skills.
