Join the Global Siblings program!
Are you looking to create connections across cultures? Would you like to explore the UCLA campus and local area with a globally-minded friend? Apply to the Global Siblings program for the 2024 - 2025 academic year!
The Global Siblings program pairs one student with another student of a different cultural background for the duration of the academic year. Often we will match an international student with a domestic (from the U.S.) student, but we may also pair international students of different cultural backgrounds together.
No matter where you are in your UCLA journey, participating in the Global Siblings program is a great opportunity to share your culture, connect with folks who hold similar interests, build a community, and learn about other cultures!
Global Siblings applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are closed. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to participate!
Follow us on Instagram! @ucla.globalsiblings
About the Global Siblings Program
What are our goals for Siblings?
Connection: Building connections and friendships is the main goal of Global Siblings. Domestic and international Siblings each have much to share about the world, and are both looking to build connections with new people. Fostering a friendship with your Sibling can go a long way towards making UCLA feel more like home.
Cultural Exchange: Global Siblings should have an interest in learning, sharing, and exchanging culture with their Sibling. The greater Los Angeles area offers a lot of opportunities for exploration of both local and global cultures. Siblings are asked to practice inclusiveness and to engage with one another with empathy.
What can Global Siblings do together?
In addition to attending Global Siblings Socials, Siblings are required to meet one-on-one in-person and/or virtually at least once per month during the duration of the program (Fall 2024 through Spring 2025.) You can be as creative or as relaxed as you and your Sibling want, and are encouraged to maximize your fun!
Ideas for Virtual Meet-ups
- Stream a movie, cook dinner together over Zoom, or share recipes.
- Make yourselves some coffee or tea and have an online study session
- Find a virtual event or activity at UCLA or in LA that you can attend or participate in together.
- Set up a video chat with your Global Sibling and your friend groups so everyone can meet and socialize.
- Invite other Sibling pairs to join you and your Sibling on Zoom to play a game or catch up.
Ideas for In-Person Meet-ups
- Hang out together on weekends by watching movies in Westwood, going out to eat, or going shopping.
- Grab coffee or study together on a weekday
- Check out events on the UCLA campus.
- Introduce your Sibling to your friends.
- Invite other Sibling pairs out and explore the local area off-campus.
Program Outcomes:
- Participants will create new connections, friendships, and community to support their adjustment to life at UCLA
- Participants will further develop their cultural knowledge, and hone their abilities and confidence in communicating with folks from backgrounds different from their own
- Participants will gain familiarity with the UCLA campus and local area through events and outings with their Siblings and other program participants.
Global Siblings Applications & Expectations
Applications for Global Siblings for 2024 – 2025 are now open!
Applications are accepted from now through Sunday, October 13th, 11:59 PM PT. No prior experience in the program, at UCLA, or in Los Angeles is required to participate in the program as a Sibling.
Undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars are eligible to apply to the program. We highly encourage first year students and new transfer students to apply!
Applications are closed.
2024 - 2025 Global Siblings Expectations & Important Dates:
- Applicants must plan to be enrolled at UCLA for current academic year. Your commitment is for three quarters, after which you can reapply for the following year.
- Meet with your Sibling in-person or virtually a minimum of once a month. This does not include quarterly Global Siblings socials, and meeting more often is highly encouraged! Both Siblings should make an effort to consistently meet with one another.
- Notify Dashew staff if your Sibling is unresponsive or if you have any other concerns. There will potentially be a short waitlist of applicants that we may be able to re-pair you with if your initial Sibling is unable to participate after all.
- Attend the mandatory All Global Siblings Social & Orientation
- Attend at least two of the three Global Siblings Socials held throughout the year. One social will be held per quarter. Dashew staff will work to schedule program events at a convenient time for all participants.
- Communication: Communicate consistently with your Sibling throughout the year. Respond to messages from Dashew Center staff, your Sibling, and other program participants within 72 hours. Utilize the Global Siblings Slack workspace to engage with your Sibling and other program participants.
Note: Global Siblings Socials hosted by Dashew Center will be at no cost to participants. Global Siblings can plan to do free or inexpensive outings together according to their own budgets.
How do I apply?
Applications for 2024 - 2025 are are closed. Stay tuned for applications!