09/02/15
by Randy Gonzales
Tiger Reach is looking to bring together students from across the globe.

The project is hosted by the Global Leadership Project, an initiative of Fort Hays State University's Center for Civic Leadership.

The purpose of the project is to bring together domestic and international students, allowing them to expand their cultural knowledge, practice intercultural communication skills and learn about other students' home countries.

Even though the training sessions were recently completed, students can participate by going to the Center for Civic Leadership office in Picken Hall, room 208. The project started last fall, when students were paired up. Now, students will be part of small groups.

"We're trying to make it more comfortable and open so that people are willing to actively participate and engage themselves," said co-coordinator Jade Singleton-Reich, Denver senior. "We hope to have a higher number of participants simply because it's the second year, and people have heard about it more."

Participating students plan to attend the football home opener, always a big hit, said Singleton-Reich. Other group activities planned this fall include a Chinese mid-autumn festival -- China's version of Thanksgiving -- and a Halloween party.

"Halloween is definitely an American holiday," Singleton-Reich said. "I know all the international students in the past loved exploring what Halloween is."

Co-coordinator Elizabeth Sigvaldson, Baldwin City senior, said at the training session student input is welcome.

"Since we're regrouping it this year, we've got a lot of open opportunities for you guys to be creative with, get to know everyone," she said.

Russell senior Kenneth Bangert informally became involved with international students last year.

"I had several friends who were exchange students from places like China, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria," Bangert said. "I'd get them together once in awhile."

Bangert took the international students to his farm, where they rode horses. He also invited them to share Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bangert said local residents had a chance to meet people they normally would never come across.

"It's amazing getting them to interact with each other," Bangert said.

Bangert found last year's experience worthwhile and decided to participate in Tiger Reach this time around.

"I could reach more international students this way," he said.