The Global Partners program is looking for more male students whose native language is English.
The program, which started in 2006, matches one international student with one American student of the same gender to share their life experiences, practice their language skills and learn about different cultures through friendship and outside activities. Program coordinator Celeste Yaluk said that because not enough American male students registered last year, the program was forced to match two or three international men to one American man.
Yaluk said that of the 190 students registered last fall, the program had fewer international women than men.
“A lot of American girls want to participate, so we need a lot more international girls.” Yaluk said.
Yaluk hopes that more American men will join this year, so that all of the international male students will have a partner. Yaluk said the program could benefit both American students and international students. It would help a lot for students who want to study abroad to meet people from the place they would like to go and learn about the culture before they depart.
Sidrah Sheikh, a junior from Chicago, heard about the program at a study abroad fair and joined in 2009. Sheikh’s partner, Nansook, is from South Korea. They often hang out together in their free time. Sheikh said she loved the program and it was a great way to connect with people from around the world and learn about different cultures.
“I also know that if I am ever in South Korea I will have a place to stay and someone to show me around.”
More than 50 students in the program come to each monthly social event. Students in the program are encouraged to come with their partners to these events, such as ice cream socials, Royals games, bowling and dinner. The program took a group of people to the pumpkin patch in October, hosted a Harvest Feast in November featuring dishes from all over the world, and taught some of the students how to bowl in early spring. In May, they had an opportunity to meet the Chancellor at her home on campus.
But very few American men participate in the group events.
“I think that it’s not because they wouldn’t want to participate,” Yaluk said. “Maybe I just haven’t been able to connect with them yet.”
Yaluk said many students who do register for the program continue to do so throughout their college careers.
Paige Henderson, a sophomore from Wichita, joined Global Partners in Fall 2009. Henderson’s current partner is Lei Yu, an undergraduate student from China. The two met regularly during the school year, usually for dinner. Henderson said she was looking forward to this upcoming semester in this program.
“I asked for an Indian student this semester, as I will begin studying Hindi,” Henderson said.
The program matches students based on their majors and outside interests. They hope more students will be able to study together.
“We try to do educational field first,” Yaluk said.
Brittany Love, a 2010 graduate and former president of the KU Chemistry Club, joined the program a year ago.
Love’s partner, Marina Kilduff, is from Roscommon, Ireland, and is studying chemistry at the University. Marina joined the club after they met. Marina and Love have attended all of the scheduled events for the program together, and they run into each other on campus, at church, and around town.
Love said she learned not only about Ireland from Marina, but also about Scotland, Saudi Arabia, China and countless other countries through Global Partners events.
Students interested in the program must register by Sept. 10. More information is available on the program’s website.