Global Buddies Program bridges cultures and enhances student life
By: Allison Wilkowske
Communications Intern
Contact: (804) 828-6463
Pictured: Former Global Buddies (l) Stephanie Cook, and (r) Nourchene "Noor" Baragoui.
Richmond, VA (April 3, 2025) — The Global Buddies Program, offered through the Global Education Office matches incoming international students with VCU domestic students to help them practice their English, explore Richmond and connect with new people.
Nourchene “Noor” Baragoui, a native of Tunisia, is pursuing a doctorate in computer science at VCU. During her first years in America, she participated in the Global Buddies program and was matched with three different students.
When asked how the program impacted her social life as an international student, Baragoui said, “It was very important to me to get to know this culture, different aspects of it and see how they went through school and what challenges they had finding a job later. What kind of friends and environment do they have? What made them successful?”
One of her favorite memories with her first Global Buddy, Stephanie Cook, occurred after a game night event at the Global Education Office. Baragoui recalled, “My very favorite memory of that day is that after we finished the game night, we were walking in the street together. We walked back to the campus together in the middle of the night, and we were laughing and chatting. It was a very fun night that I really enjoyed,” she said.
Cook, now an IT systems analyst for the VCU School of Dentistry, shared her favorite memory from being a Global Buddy that was also at a game night. “The room was filled with a mix of people who had played before and who hadn't, but the crowd was friendly and supportive of anyone who needed help. It was a lot of fun to experience something new with my buddy, and the atmosphere was lively and entertaining” she said.
This is an experience shared by many in the program, as the Global Education Office holds regular events for the matched students to have fun together, such as game nights and movie nights. Being a Global Buddy means being in rooms filled with diversity and fun conversation.
When asked whether she believes the program helps students in all areas of their education, Cook expressed, “I do believe that the Global Buddies program helps individuals both academically and socially. The program as a whole is a great way to put yourself out there, engage with new people, and get involved with the local community. Many Buddies within the program are interested not just in sharing their culture but also in exploring Richmond or finding a study or gym buddy, so it's definitely a good way to meet others on campus.”
Kelly Richard, GEO’s global learning specialist, recommends joining the program because it offers a fantastic opportunity to have new experiences with people from all over the world. “Who knows? Maybe the next time you hop on a plane to travel somewhere new, you will already have one friend there who can show you around,” said Richard.
For more information or if interested in applying, visit the Global Buddies website.
