Mihaela Epurianu from Romania, an educational psychology major and graduate assistant in the Office of International Services; Paula Souto from Portugal, a junior biology major; Abadale Khani from Jamaica, a senior computer information systems major; Calleb Nyangaga from Kenya, a senior accounting major; Nissi Ragan from India, a freshman accounting major; and Aznir Haron from Malaysia, a senior economics major.

The Office of International Services (OIS) offers several programs that promote cultural awareness for both American and international students. Such programs include Cookies and Culture, the International Buddy System Program and the new International Living Community. While geared toward promoting global awareness, all three programs have fostered friendships that have transcended cultural differences and barriers.

While providing a comfortable atmosphere in which members of the International Student Organization (ISO), a class I organization of the Student Government Association (SGA), and American students can interact, these programs help all the students gain a better understanding of the nations and cultures that their peers represent.

Jacqueline Leighton, director of International Services, says the programs are designed to bridge cultural gaps. " Cookies and Culture, an informal meeting of casual discussion among students, is particularly successful in improving U.S. cultural understanding among international students," she said.

Pat Torok, international student adviser, bakes cookies and provides guidance for international students while the group decides on the topic of discussion each week. Topics have included dating, racism and personal space, to name a few, and students are encouraged to speak openly about how the issue is addressed in their homelands.

Cookies and Culture will begin Feb. 5 for the spring semester and will be held Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in Russ Hall, Kops Lounge. Avadale Khani, an ISO member majoring in computer science, attends the weekly gatherings. "International students attending MSU are greeted with love, respect and appreciation," said Khani.

The International Living Community (ILC) is a program in which American and international students live together in the Village residence halls. There currently are five ILC apartments. "The ILC brings together international and domestic students to promote cultural understanding as they live, study, eat and play under one roof," Leighton said. "As a result, they will learn more about one another and the different worlds from which they come." The hope is that friendships will form as residents learn to bridge cultural gaps and accept differences in customs and thinking. "We expect future global leaders to come out of the International Living Community as they carry with them intercultural experiences that will last a lifetime," she said.

The Universiy also has initiated an International Buddy System (IBS). The program is the brainchild of SGA President Jacob Hudnut, a junior majoring in political and international studies, and international students who attended the Office of Student Leadership's All Together Different Retreat last semester. The IBS pairs an international student with an SGA leader. "This program doesn't just benefit our visiting students, but provides American students with an exposure to global thought, which is a crucial part of a serious university education," said Hudnut. "This program is truly a testament to Montclair State's ability to come together as a community and make a positive commitment to this cause."

For more information about any of the OIS programs, call Leighton at 973-655-6862.