LEXINGTON, Ky.?In light of recent University of Kentucky and international events, it may seem uncommon to see a close friendship between people of different ethnicity.
Some students said there is even a sense of paranoia of such interactions.
But not all students have to be affected by this.
American students have the opportunity to experience diversity first-hand by being paired with students from around the world.
Through the Student Government and International Student Council’s Wildcat International Network program, students can learn more about other cultures.
Students apply to participate and are paired based on common interests.
The program, which began in 1998, includes an organized kickoff event in which students are introduced to each other.
Students participate in a variety of activities around Lexington and also attend group workshops.
Friendships generally evolve from the togetherness experienced in each activity, and sometimes these relationships make a huge impact?both in college and in life.
“People make lifelong friends, friendships that span across an ocean,” said Adrian Lim, a UK graduate from Malaysia who was involved with the WIN program.
“American students even invite their partners to stay in their own home for holidays like Thanksgiving,” he said.
Along with providing close friendships, students often help one another understand different cultures and customs.
“[WIN] was a great way to introduce American and international cultures,” Lim said.