Please take a moment to read these “testimonials” from RL volunteers.

“The Friendship Partner Program has helped me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and learn about the challenges of adapting to a new culture. It has also allowed me to develop some amazing relationships. Some of my favorite moments since coming to Ohio State have been spent with my friendship partner and her friends who are also international students. I have been able to teach them about our culture and traditions (like making buckeye candies!), but I have also loved learning about their heritage and customs by doing things like sharing in traditional meals. Above all, this program has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to show the love of Christ and proclaim His truth to fellow students who are hungry for the hopeand life that our Savior offers.” – Emily Clem

“Being a Bridges International partner has really opened my eyes to God’s world. It has not only taught me about another culture but it has also changed me as a person. My International friend, Menglu, has become a person I can talk to and rely on. I love meeting to talk with her because I know she is always going to listen. Being able to meet with her and share my faith with her has been a huge blessing. I realize now, a few months into our relationship, that I have impacted her life but she has also impacted mine. That is exactly the way I believe Jesus meant for it to be. Without Bridges International Menglu and I would never have grown in these areas as children of Christ. This program has allowed us both to view another person’s world and
all at once realize that we really were never different to begin with.” – Kate Zitello

“I have really enjoyed meeting up with my friendship partner, Yong, on a weekly basis. It has really pushed me to be intentional with my friendships and it has helped me hone my natural mode evangelism skills. The Summer Project traveling team opened my eyes to what’s going on in the world and the English Club made me realize how God has brought so many international students right here to the US. Getting to know Yong and build a relationship has opened many doors and he feels free to ask me about anything. I’ve already had the chance to share my faith and even part of my testimony with him, but God continues to stretch me in sharing my faith each time we meet. I’m excited by what I see God doing through our friendship and I can’t wait to see God’s plan for Yong unfold.” – Tim Suffel

“Bridges taught me a lot about how the Lord loves. He speaks to us where we are and rejoices when we willingly come to Him. Although I would love to say that I saw all three of my conversation partners begin a relationship with Christ, I can’t. However, this doesn’t mean that I didn’t witness the Lord working in their lives. There were questions asked, depressed phases (while going through cultural adjustments), and friendships built on love and trust. And we got to explore all these together. I benefited from this program in many ways. Cultural awareness brings a sensitivity and a listening ear that encourages vulnerability,thought, and sometimes change if desired. Yu-Tzu taught me that. Cultural awareness also made me redefine how love looks in a friendship. Yang taught me that. And cultural awareness magnifies my own personality in a different light so that it can be dissected. Sang-Mi taught me that. All three women are very dear to me and now my family! (… and that is just with thinking about cultural awareness) I think Bridges International is a wonderful program because it provides a safe community for international students and an outlet for those who are searching, just as Real Life serves students on campus. It’s an important program to be offered because Bridges provides a certain atmosphere that Real Life can’t necessarily provide for international students. Yet, it’s a beautiful way for Real Life to show its heart for the world right there on campus.” – Katie Arreguin

For more information on the English Conversation Partner program…please email: cccbridges@osu.edu