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For freshman Kaylee Rider of Olathe, joining the program has been one of the highlights of her first year.
“I thought it would be a great way to get involved outside my major,” Rider said. “I love to travel, and I thought it would be neat to learn about other cultures.”
Her Pitt Pal, Dawn Chen, is a student from China who has found comfort and community through the connection.
“Being a Pitt Pal has helped me adjust and feel at home here,” Chen said.
The Pitt Pal program is coordinated by the Office of International Programs and Services. Based on several criteria, staff match international students with American peers who help them navigate the campus and the community.
At the same time, the American students benefit from exposure to other cultures.
Pitt Pals are introduced to one another at a Pitt Pal kickoff event at the Student Center. After that, pals plan their own outings and can participate in organized activities throughout the semester, including Global Fest and Pitt Pal Fall Fiesta.
Rider bonded with her pal quickly — discovering they’re both Swifties and both love ice cream.
“Our favorite place is Braum’s,” she said.
Rider also offered transportation for weekly grocery runs.
For Rider, the friendship has been just as rewarding.
“It’s been so interesting,” she said. “It’s been cool to compare and contrast our cultures in an authentic way from someone who is actually from there. We’ve talked about politics, religious beliefs, and other topics in a very respectful, civilized way. We are both coming from a place of wanting to learn and understand.”
For Nigerian student Tordue Imbur, the program was life changing.
“When I first arrived in the U.S. from Nigeria, I didn’t know anyone,” Imbur said. “But through the Pitt Pal program, and especially my Pitt Pal, Will, everything changed."
From attending local events to simply having someone to talk to, Imbur said the connection helped transform Pittsburg into home.
“Will introduced me to new people, took me to church, and helped me connect with American culture in ways I never imagined,” Imbur said. “Because of him, I now feel at home here.”
For many, the benefits go beyond cultural adjustment.
“This experience has not only made my transition smoother but also given me lasting friendships and a true sense of belonging,” Imbur said.
The impact of Pitt Pals often lasts far beyond graduation. When former Pitt Pal Jakey Dobbs returned to campus for Homecoming weekend in support of Valquíria Vita, an alumni award recipient, the bond they formed more than a decade ago was still strong.
A recent social media post from Vita read, “My Pitt Pal and I have been friends for 13 years.” Dobbs replied: “Pitt Pals changed my life and gave me another sister.”
Through shared experiences like these, the Pitt Pal program continues to build bridges.
Learn more or join the Pitt Pal program:
