In an increasingly divided world, initiatives focused on diversity, inclusion, and fostering community are crucial. One such initiative, Global Friends, offers a unique platform for international students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). The nonprofit organization provides a welcoming space where students from different cultural and religious backgrounds can gather, share meals, and create lasting bonds. In a time when social connections can be hard to establish, Global Friends is offering international students a true home away from home.
Creating a Welcoming Space for International Students
On any given Saturday evening, Nathan Williams’ home in Omaha is filled with the sights and sounds of UNO international students enjoying themselves. The shoes piled up outside the door hint at the diverse group inside, gathered together to share a meal, play games, and simply connect. Williams, who coordinates the Saturday Home Group for Global Friends, opens his home every weekend to students seeking fellowship, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
“I enjoy learning about different cultures, different language aspects, and how people from various cultures perceive things,” Williams explained. His experience with Global Friends has made him aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity. For example, he noted that in some cultures, it is considered impolite to turn your back on someone or show the bottom of your feet. This type of cross-cultural learning has been invaluable to both Williams and the international students he welcomes into his home.
For many students, attending these gatherings offers a much-needed break from the isolation and homesickness they often experience. For one student, a graduate of the School of Communication at UNO, finding Global Friends marked a turning point. After months of feeling disconnected and longing for the familiar comforts of home, they were introduced to Global Friends through a classmate. Skeptical at first, the student quickly found that the group provided exactly what they were missing—a community of peers who understood their challenges and embraced them with open arms.
Global Friends: A Lifeline for International Students
Global Friends is a Christian-based nonprofit organization, but its mission extends beyond spiritual matters. The group embraces students from all faiths and backgrounds, providing a safe space where differences are respected, and genuine connections are fostered. Williams is clear that while the organization’s Christian identity is not hidden, students are never pressured to change their beliefs. “We make it clear on our event flyers that we are Christian-based,” he said, “but anyone is welcome to attend.”
Through weekly home groups and programs like the Global Friends English Corner, students can participate in discussions, practice their English skills, and enjoy free meals. The English Corner, held every Wednesday at UNO’s Milo Bail Food Court, is a popular gathering where students can improve their language skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. Williams and other volunteers work hard to ensure that the conversations go beyond just language practice—they’re about building relationships and breaking down cultural barriers.
“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and accepted, regardless of their religious or cultural background,” Williams said. “Each week, I see people genuinely interacting with one another despite our differences, and that’s what makes Global Friends special.”
Building a Home Away from Home
For many international students, finding a supportive community is crucial to overcoming the challenges of living and studying in a foreign country. The culture shock, homesickness, and sense of isolation can be overwhelming. Global Friends helps ease these feelings by offering a consistent source of fellowship and support.
Julie Arant, the director of Global Friends, shares Williams’ passion for helping international students feel welcome in Omaha. For Arant, the desire to help international students comes from her own family’s tradition of opening their home to refugees and others in need of a safe, welcoming space. “We are so glad you are here,” Arant said. “If there is any way possible that we can serve you, it is our pleasure and honor to do so. My house is your house.”
Arant continues her family’s legacy through Global Friends by providing international students with meals and opportunities to connect. The organization’s weekly events, such as Friday and Saturday home groups, have become a vital part of the international student experience at UNO. These gatherings allow students to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and build strong relationships with peers who understand the unique challenges of studying abroad.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Global Friends, according to Williams, is hearing from students who have returned home and shared their positive experiences with prospective international students. Many encourage their peers to join Global Friends when they arrive in Omaha, knowing firsthand how transformative the experience can be.
Supporting Students Through the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Global Friends quickly adapted to continue supporting students who were stranded far from home. With the university campus closed and students unable to travel, Global Friends divided into smaller groups and continued to meet virtually and in person when possible. The organization even helped find temporary homes for students who were unable to return to their families during the lockdown.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Williams and his team remained committed to providing international students with a sense of community. “We knew we had to keep meeting for the sake of the students who were far from home,” he said. “Global Friends became more important than ever during that time.”
The Impact of Cultural Exchange
For Williams, the experience of working with Global Friends has been deeply fulfilling. After traveling to Greece and Turkey, where he had the opportunity to interact with people from several Middle Eastern countries, Williams realized the value of cultural exchange and building connections across differences. When he first attended Global Friends in 2014, he immediately saw the potential of the program and decided to get more involved.
Today, Williams’ home has become a central hub for Global Friends’ Saturday night gatherings, and he has embraced his role as a cultural bridge for students from around the world. By offering international students a place to feel at home, he is helping to break down the barriers of isolation and homesickness that so often accompany the experience of studying abroad.
How to Get Involved
For international students at UNO, Global Friends provides an invaluable source of support, friendship, and connection. Whether it’s through the weekly home groups, English Corner discussions, or special events, students are encouraged to participate and find their own “home away from home.”
To learn more about Global Friends and how to get involved, students can follow the group on Instagram or Facebook at Global Friends Omaha. The organization is open to all students, regardless of their background, and offers a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.
In a world that often feels divided, Global Friends stands as a beacon of hope, offering international students the opportunity to build meaningful connections, embrace diversity, and feel truly at home in Omaha.
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