Bridging Borders: Highlights from BAC’s First International Students
Meet & Greet

The BAC International Students Club kicked off its first official event of the semester with a warm and vibrant Meet and Greet on the 18th of September 2025. Held at the BAC campus, the gathering brought together international students from across the globe for an hour of meaningful connection, cultural sharing and fun.

A Warm Welcome to the Community

The event began with  excitement, starting earlier than schedule, as committee members greeted students and helped them find their seats. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for what would be an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone in attendance.

Taking the stage as Master of Ceremony was Savannah Smith, who carried out the event with charm and enthusiasm. She welcomed everyone and introduced Ebrahim Walled, President of the International Students Club. In his opening remarks, Walled shared the Club’s vision of fostering unity, cultural exchange and support among international students, a message that resonated deeply with the diverse audience.

Exciting Events Ahead

The Meet & Greet offered an exciting preview of the Club’s upcoming plans for the semester and beyond. Among the highlights are Cultural Week — a vibrant celebration of the many nationalities and traditions that make up BAC’s diverse community; a Secret Santa Celebration to spread festive cheer during the Christmas season; and an Iftar Dinner during Ramadan, fostering inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect among students of all faiths.

Together, these events aim to create a deeper sense of connection, unity, and belonging among BAC’s international student community.

Breaking the Ice and Building Bonds

True to its purpose, the Meet and Greet placed a strong emphasis on interaction. Students were grouped into smaller circles where they introduced themselves, shared stories from their home countries, discussed their fields of study and talked about personal interests. It was a simple yet powerful way to break the ice and spark genuine conversations. There were representative from groups who shared interesting insights about their fellow members with the larger audience, for a more engaging and meaningful session. These mini-presentations showcased the incredible diversity within the BAC international community, from shared hobbies to surprising cultural facts.

Reflections and Takeaways

Towards the end of the session, a few brave volunteers stepped up to share their personal reflections. Many spoke about how refreshing it was to meet so many new people in just one afternoon, while others shared intriguing things they learned from peers. This spontaneous segment brought warmth and laughter, closing the event on a high and hopeful note.

A Strong Start for a Promising Year

The BAC International Students Club’s Meet and Greet was more than just an introductory event, it was a celebration of diversity, connection and community. It succeeded in creating a welcoming space for international students to form friendships and feel a part of something bigger.

With such a promising start, the Club has clearly set the tone for the rest of the academic year. Students left feeling excited, appreciated and ready to engage, a testament to the committee’s planning, hospitality and dedication.

Stay tuned for more exciting events from the BAC International Students Club. This is just the beginning!