Encouraging Cross-cultural Understanding

Pair Up Program Logo: University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of Multicultural Affairs.

What is the Pair-Up Program?

It is a multicultural friendship program that encourages international and domestic student cultural exchange at UMass Lowell. Founded in 2015 and housed in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Pair-Up Program hopes to bridge that cultural gap between international and domestic students through mutual interests and understanding.

How Does it Work?

The Pair-Up Program is a full academic year program that pairs or groups its participants by common interests and majors indicated in their applications. The groups consist of one American student and two or three international students. Once the pairs have been put together, we connect the (current) American student with the (new) international students while the international students are still in their home countries preparing to arrive to the U.S. in early August. This way, the buddies can start communicating before the semester begins and get to know each other before our first meeting.

As of Fall 2021, we are launched a model for those who participated in the past to continue! Pair-Up Year One participants will focus on cultural differences, norms, holidays, and more. Returning participants will focus on intercultural communication, cultural identities, allyship and more. Apply below!

Fall 2024 Requirements

  1. Be able to attend the monthly semester meetings if possible:
    • Kick-off, Friday September 6 from 6-8 p.m. at Moloney Hall at University Crossing.
    • Meetings will be on September 13, October 11 and November 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Moloney Hall at University Crossing.
  2. Connect on your own , at least once a month. This could be in person, over the phone via texting or messenger apps, zoom connect or attend a campus event together. Other examples of connecting could include chatting to see how each other's week has been, seeing what each other may need help in their lift, enjoying a meal, getting a coffee, going for a walk, hanging out at the Recreation Center and much more.
Pair-Up Program Meet & Greet: two students shaking hands.

Why Should I Apply?

This program allows for new friendships while expanding cultural horizons, increasing cultural understanding, minimizing biases, and engaging people from all walks of life. Participants meet people in different cultures and make worldwide friendships. This program also serves unique resume builder that highlights the ability to work with people from different cultures and showcases global citizenship. While in this program, participants will also get early admission to other programs on campus such as the OMA Ambassador Program and the Diversity Peer Educator Program.

How Do I Apply?

Apply online for the Pair Up Program 2023-2024 year.

This program is primarily for new international students arriving in the fall semesters and it fills quickly! We also accept international exchange students for the fall semester only which opens up spots for new international students arriving in the spring semester.