programming!

    About the Program

    Are you looking to create connections across cultures? Would you like to explore the UCLA campus and local area with a group of international friends? Apply to the Global Siblings program for the 2023 - 2024 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.

    In addition to gaining a Sibling, participants are divided into Global Siblings Families. Families are coordinated by student leaders called "Global Siblings Coordinators," who plan events throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.

    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!

    Follow us on Instagram! @ucla.globalsiblings

    What are Siblings?

      Siblings
      Siblings Group

      What roles do Siblings play?

      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 practice cultural awareness, and have an interest in sharing and exchanging culture with their Sibling and Family. You and your Sibling will each have the opportunity to practice global awareness and empathy.

      What can Global Siblings do with their Sibling?

      In addition to attending Global Siblings Socials and Family events, you are required to meet one-on-one in-person and/or virtually with your Sibling at least once per quarter during the Fall and Winter. You can be as creative or as relaxed as you and your Sibling want, and we hope you have fun! Here are some ideas for outings:

      Ideas for Virtual Meet-ups

      • Stream a movie, cook dinner together over video chat, 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 Families.

      Global Sibling Applications

      Global Siblings applications for the 2023 - 2024 academic year are now open! You can access the application here.

      blue flyer for 2023 - 2024 global siblings applications

      Applications for Global Siblings for 2023 – 2024 are now open!

      Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to apply early as capacity for the program is limited. 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 due Wednesday, October 4th by 11:59 PM PT. You can access the application here.

      2023-2024 Global Siblings Expectations:

      • Applicants must plan to be enrolled at UCLA for the 2023 - 2024 academic year.Your commitment is for three quarters, after which you can reapply for the following year.
      • Meet with your Sibling virtually or in-person a minimum of once a month(not including Family/All-Program events), but more often is highly encouraged! Both Siblings should make an effort to consistently meet with one another.
      • Notify your Global Siblings Coordinators or Dashew staff if your Sibling is unresponsive or if you have any other concerns. There is generally a waitlist of applicants and you may have the option to be re-paired with a new Sibling.
      • Attend the mandatory Global Siblings Orientation & Family Reveal in Fall 2023 - Thursday, October 12th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM PT.
      • Attend at least two Global Siblings program events per quarter , which will be organized by Dashew staff and your Global Siblings Coordinators. Dashew staff and your Coordinators will work to schedule program events at a convenient time for all participants. (*Note: Attending Global Siblings Orientation is a program requirement and does not count toward the two events per quarter attendance requirement)
      • Program participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from the event departure point.Most in-person events originate from or take place on UCLA's campus.

      Note:Most event costs will be covered by the Dashew Center, however some in-person events may require a small fee. Coordinators will take many factors into consideration when planning events that have a cost. Global Siblings can plan to do free or inexpensive outings together as well.

      How do I apply?

      Applications for 2023 - 2024 are now open through Wednesday, October 4th, 11:59 PM PT. Access the application here.

      Coordinator Applications

      Global Siblings Coordinator applications for the 2023 - 2024 academic year are extended through June 16th! You can access the Coordinator Application here.

      flyer for 23 - 24 global siblings coordinator applications

      Global Siblings Coordinators (GSCs)are student leaders who coordinate the meetings and activities of Global Siblings Family groups, and facilitate interaction amongst program participants.

      Global Siblings Coordinator applicants also have the option to be considered for the Global Siblings Social Media Manager role. Please review the Social Media Manager tab for more information.

      Coordinators are selected based on their application as well as an interview process.

      How do I apply? The 2023 - 2024 Coordinator Application is now open! The extended application deadline is Monday, June 26th by 11:59 PM PT.

      COVID-19 Adjustments: Adjustments to the program may be made in accordance with UCLA guidelines. Coordinators are expected to be flexible and work to adapt accordingly if the program structure must change. All changes will be communicated to Coordinators as soon as information becomes available.

      Please review the FAQs and ensure you are able to meet all Global Siblings Coordinator Expectations below before applying.

      Applicant FAQs:

      • What is the duration of the Coordinator position? June 2023 - June 2024 (Responsibilities during Summer 2023 will be minimal and online.)
      • What is the weekly time commitment? Approximately 1 - 5 hours per week
      • I'm currently an international, domestic, first year, grad, transfer, and/or out-of-state student, can I apply? Yes!
      • Can I apply if I haven't participated in the program as a Global Siblings or am new to UCLA or the LA area? Yes!
      • I'm a undergraduate/graduate student, would I be working with graduates/undergraduates as a Coordinator? Because Global Siblings is a social program, we aim to pair Coordinators and group Siblings primarily based on age and other demographic factors, not necessarily by academic status. It is possible that you will have both graduate and undergraduate students in your Global Siblings Family.
      • Do Coordinators get paired with a Global Sibling? Coordinators are paired with a Co-Coordinator to manage their Global Sibs Family.
      • Is this a paid position? The '23 - '24 cohort of Global Siblings Coordinators will receive a $250 stipend in the fall quarter for their contributions.
      • Who pays for program events and outings? Typically all event costs will be covered by the Dashew Center, and each Co-Coordinator pair will be allotted a budget each quarter to work with. Many costs can be covered in advance by Dashew staff, but some will be initially covered by Coordinators and then reimbursed by Dashew. Coordinators can plan to do free or inexpensive outings with their Families as well.
      • What do you look for in Coordinator applicants? We look for students who are empathetic and are interested in cross-cultural understanding and appreciation with a positive attitude! If you're looking for a leadership position involving event planning, program management, international and cross-cultural friendships, and exploring UCLA and the local area, this may be the right position for you!
      • What else should I know before applying? Ensure you can meet all Coordinator expectations below before applying!

      Global Sibling Coordinator Expectations and Important Dates:

      • Attend the New Coordinator Meeting: Meet your fellow Coordinators on Thursday, June 1st, 6:00 - 7:30 PM PT at the Dashew Center Board Room
      • Attend the Online Summer Orientation: Mandatory online orientation on Friday, August 25th, 6:00 - 7:30 AM PT
      • Attend the Coordinator Training: Mandatory on-campus training session for all Global Siblings Coordinators on Saturday, October 7th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      • Plan and Attend the Global Siblings Orientation & Family Reveal: Mandatory on-campus orientation for all Global Siblings participants on Thursday, October 12th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM PT
      • Attend 2 quarterly All-Coordinator Meetings: These meetings with Dashew Staff will be scheduled at a time determined by the availability of all Coordinators
      • Attend bi-weekly Coordinator Meetings: Plan with your Co-Coordinator in person or online, bi-weekly throughout the academic year
      • Recruitment: Be available to participate in program marketing efforts for Coordinators and Siblings throughout the year (may include flyering, department outreach, Res Hall outreach, tabling at campus events including Dashew Welcome Event during True Bruin Week & Freshman/Transfer Bruins Days in the spring, etc.).
      • Work Hours: Work with your Co-Coordinator for an average of 1 - 5 hours per week (e.g. meetings, communication to Siblings, event planning, etc.).
      • Family Events: Plan, submit proposals, attend, and submit post-event documents for your Family Events each quarter - 2 Family Events in Fall, 2 All-Program events in Winter, and 3 Family Events in spring
      • Communication: Communicate consistently with Sibling pairs to ensure they are engaged in the program and are meeting with their sibling. Maintain communication with Dashew Center staff throughout the year, and respond to messages within 72 hours
      • Assist with other duties as assigned: Examples include contributing to or participating in Dashew's efforts to strengthen the ties between international and domestic students on campus


      How do I apply?

      Global Siblings Coordinator applications for the 2023 - 2024 academic year are now open! Please review the FAQs and ensure you are able to meet all Global Siblings Coordinator Expectations and Important Dates above before applying. The extended application deadline is Monday, June 26th by 11:59 PM PT.

      Access the GSC application here.

      Coordinator - Social Media Manager

      Accepted Global Siblings Coordinators are offered an additional opportunity to work as a Social Media Manager. This person will work alongside Dashew Staff & Student Programming Assistants to assist in marketing & outreach to program participants and the wider UCLA campus via social media.

      The Manager will have all responsibilities of a regular Coordinator while taking on additional Social Media Ambassador responsibilities (1 - 2 hours/week) for the duration of their position. Some work during Summer 2023 may be needed based on program needs and Coordinator availability.

      Key Responsibilities:

      • Build & execute social media strategy through content creation, messaging and audience engagement across Global Siblings social media platforms (mostly Instagram, but potentially private Facebook group, TikTok, etc.)
      • Build meaningful connections and engage with Global Siblings community members through dialogue and messaging
      • Brainstorm strategies to help drive reach and engagement on Global Siblings social media platforms
      • Offer creative ideas so that we can stay current in terms of content and social media trends
      • Maintain communication with Dashew staff via Slack and periodic Social Media team meetings
      • Global Siblings Coordinator applicants with an interest in social media marketing management
      • A social media savvy individual with experience navigating functions across various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok) and creating content using Canva and/or other tools
      • A strong verbal, written, and visual communicator
      • A self starter who takes initiative in problem solving and proposing new ideas
      • A team player who works well in collaborative environments
      • An adaptable person willing to adjust to changing responsibilities throughout the duration of the position

      How do I apply:

      Interested applicants should review everything on the Coordinator Position tab, then complete the additional application questions for this role along with all other questions on the application. You will be asked additional role-specific questions during the interview process if offered an interview.

      Meet the 23-24 Global Siblings Coordinators!

      Pierce Chong

      Pronouns: he/him/his

      Home:Singapore

      Major: Computer Science

      Hobbies & Interests: Climbing, hiking, travelling, gym, cooking

      Bio:Hey everyone, my name is Pierce and I'm a 3rd year Computer Science major from Singapore! I was a sibling last year and I am excited to be planning fun events for our family this year. I love meeting people from everywhere and learning about your culture and background! I also like to explore food places and hiking trails around LA! Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

      Pierce Chong

      Kalia Lai

      Pronouns: she/her/hers

      Home: Lafayette, California

      Major: Global Studies & Russian Studies major, Statistics minor

      Hobbies & Interests: Traveling, tennis, origami, thrifting, theater, biking, and petting my dogs!

      Bio:Hi everyone! I'm an incoming second year student from the Bay Area and enjoy going to concerts and exploring Los Angeles in my free time! I love travel and learning new languages (right now I'm studying Russian and ASL) and am looking forward getting to know you over Koreatown dinners, museum visits, and more!

      Kalia Lai

      Wendy Minn

      Pronouns: she/her/hers

      Home: Stockton, California

      Major: major: Communications, minor: Film, TV and Digital Media

      Hobbies & Interests: Korean tv, Kpop, dancing, tennis, board games, and cooking

      Bio:Hi I'm Wendy and this will be my final year at UCLA! My grandparents on both sides immigrated to Burma from China, and in Yangon Chinatown my parents were born and raised, eventually going to Taiwan for college. I was born and raised in the U.S. but just came back from studying abroad in Korea, so with all that I'd say I have a pretty multicultural background! I haven't been in LA for a while so can't wait to explore the area some more with everyone!

      Wendy Minn

      Nhat Nguyen

      Pronouns: he/him/his

      Home:Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

      Major: Master’s of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

      Hobbies & Interests: Tennis, Soccer, Badminton, Music, Technology

      Bio:Hi everyone, I'm excited to be a Global Sibling Coordinator this year! I am from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where there are lots of great food, culture, and adventure to explore so I hope to do the same in LA with the coolest people in this program!

      Nhat Nguyen

      Yuga Saito

      Pronouns: she/her/hers

      Home:Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

      Major: Communication major (Film minor from next quarter)

      Hobbies & Interests: Drawing, photography, traveling, cooking, and Disney

      Bio:Hi everyone! I am fourth year/ second year transfer, communication major. This is my first year of being a coordinator, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and making wonderful memories!

      Yuga Saito

      Misheel Unur

      Pronouns: she/her/hers

      Home:Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia & Los Angeles, CA

      Major: Human Biology and Society BS

      Hobbies & Interests: Sustainability, plants/gardening, cooking/baking, sewing, arts & crafts, being outdoors, cafe study dates

      Bio:I was born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia but I moved to California when I was 7 and have been living in California ever since! I’m a transfer and a first gen student with the hopes of becoming a healthcare worker. I know that college can be stressful and overwhelming sometimes. My goal is to build a safe space where students are able to connect with each other and create lasting friendships through different events.

      Misheel Unur

      Jonathan Xia

      Pronouns: he/him/his

      Home:Morgan Hill, California

      Major:Business Economics

      Hobbies & Interests: Basketball, traveling, music, power naps, Brawl Stars, and shows

      Bio:Hi everyone, my name is Jonathan, and I'm a second-year business economics student from the Bay Area! Looking forward to meeting and learning more about you all! In my free time, I enjoy watching/playing sports, trying new restaurants with friends, and giving my German Shepherd belly rubs.

      Jonathan Xia