I-Pals

You probably have heard of traditional pen pals, individuals who become companions with one another by regularly writing letters. I-Pals are pen pals with a common goal: to make friends with people who are different from themselves and build stronger inter-connected communities. You and your new I-pal will share letters, emails, and virtual meetings to build a friendship based on interracial understanding, intercultural communication, and global awareness.

There are many benefits for becoming an I-Pal.

• I-Pals develop inter-cultural competency skills to build interracial and intercultural understanding.
• I-Pals improve written and oral communication skills through a variety of modes of communication.
• I-Pals gain a better understanding of their own identity to grow in their relationships with others.
• Pals become advocates for global awareness and intercultural understanding.

The I-Pal journey is an exciting one. For the next several months, you will grow in your own understanding of intercultural communication and interconnected communities through intentional friendship building.

• Complete an application and survey to be paired with another student who is different from yourself.
• Prepare to become an I-Pal by reading the I-Pal Guidebook and completing reflective activities about your own identity.
• Eager to learn about perspectives from other cultures.
• Attend a Meet and Greet to be introduced to your new I-Pal and plan your correspondences.
• Begin corresponding with your I-Pal through different modes of communication on a regular basis each month throughout the semester.
• Occasionally post on social media some of your insights about your journey together as I-Pals.
• Meet with other I-Pals at a mid-term meeting to discuss your experiences.
• Complete post-project activities and attend a final reception to celebrate your new friendships as part of a global community.