Our Two Goals
Implementing a buddy-system to universities. So, what exactly is a buddy system? It’s a program designed to help international students or those moving far from home feel welcomed and supported in their new environment. Upon arrival, each student is paired with two upper-year international students who offer immediate assistance and serve as valuable contacts. Since many international students arrive without knowing anyone, this support covers practical matters such as setting up bank accounts, phone lines, and class schedules, as well as navigating social events, cultural differences, and understanding what to expect in their new surroundings.
Creating a larger network for international students at different univeersities.
Our vision for GlobalPals is to establish chapters at multiple universities, making it easier for us to manage and create meaningful change. Since the needs of students can vary greatly from one university to another, each chapter will evolve to meet the specific demands and challenges of its institution. The teams running these chapters will maintain constant communication, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They will work together to address any issues that arise and come up with fresh ideas for better supporting students and growing the network.
We also want to create opportunities for students from different universities to connect with one another.
We will facilitate these connections by allowing students to sign up through an interest form, letting them choose whether they’d like to connect with students at other schools. We’ll also host regular Zoom sessions where students can share their stories, ask questions, and learn from each other. This will not only foster a sense of community among international students but also help them navigate their new environments with the support of others who have been through similar experiences.
About Our Founder
Hi, friend.
Hi, I’m Irmak, and I’m really happy to have you here. I’m an international student myself, having recently moved across the world for better education. While I’m still navigating life on this side of the globe, I decided to start this inter-university community, GlobalPals. The idea actually came to me when I visited my friend Hilmican, who’s currently studying at Harvard. I shared my struggles about moving, and he told me how, when he first arrived in Boston, he was welcomed by his FIP family. FIP is a program designed to build a community for new international students through workshops, social events, and hands-on support. I loved the idea and immediately thought, “I wish I had something like this.” That’s why I wanted to create GlobalPals—to offer future international students the kind of support I wish I’d had.
Taking Steps
Community has always been incredibly important to me, as you can see from the photo. When everyone in that picture moved abroad to study, it was a tough adjustment for all of us, including me. That experience was the spark behind GlobalPals—it came from my own need for support and connection. When I first approached the student life office to discuss the idea, I met Jonathan Blaize, who was incredibly supportive from day one, having been an international student himself. I shared my vision of incorporating a buddy system and raising awareness of GlobalPals across campus, and he was fully on board.
Gathering Advice
As my initiative progressed, I seeked advice from professors and experienced individuals. This photo shows me with Adam Oliver, who I worked with and learned about his experience as an international student. I wanted to gather as many perspectives as possible to improve GlobalPals and offer better support for other students facing similar challenges.
Collaborating
To bring GlobalPals to life at different universities, I reached out to my strong network, sharing my vision for this initiative. Some told me they already had similar programs in place, but others were eager to partner with me, as they lacked this kind of support and were excited about making it a reality. I wrote a draft email for them to send to their schools, introducing GlobalPals and asking how to move forward with the idea.
This is still a work in progress, and I want to make that known—because perfection isn’t the goal. I’m still figuring it out, just like many others out there, but I truly believe in this mission. With the power of today’s technology and the support of like-minded individuals, I know we can make it happen. This is bigger than just a project—it’s about creating something that connects people, breaks down barriers, and makes the international student experience more welcoming, no matter where you are. It may not be perfect yet, but together, we can shape it into something powerful. Please reach out to me for any ideas or questions!
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