Bridging Cultures, Building Friendships: WorldWide Community at FSU

When Tanushree Dhage, a passionate advocate for global connections, founded WorldWide Community at FSU in May 2024, her mission was clear: create a space where international, exchange and domestic students could unite and form meaningful friendships across cultural boundaries. What started as an idea to promote global understanding has quickly evolved into a dynamic platform where students from all over the world feel at home, united by their shared curiosity and openness to new experiences.
 
"We wanted to bridge the gap between these diverse student groups," says Dhage. "Our goal is to help students form friendships from all around the globe and explore different cultures and countries."
 
Dhage, who serves as the president of the newly recognized student organization (RSO), felt inspired to create WorldWide Community at FSU because she saw the need for a dedicated platform that brings students from various backgrounds together. "I wanted to create a space where international, exchange and U.S. students could connect and feel at home no matter where they’re from," she explains. This sense of belonging is at the core of the organization’s mission.
 
Despite its recent establishment, WorldWide Community at FSU has big plans to promote cultural exchange and globalization on campus. "The ultimate goal is to create a welcoming environment where different perspectives are valued and lifelong friendships can develop," Dhage shares. "We want to support international students by helping them feel more connected within the FSU community."
 
Since its official start, the organization has already hosted its first General Body Meeting (GBM), which left a lasting impression on both Dhage and the participants. "Our most memorable experience so far was hosting our first GBM," she says proudly. "It was amazing to interact with our members firsthand and share the excitement about our upcoming Global Café event with the Center for Global Engagement (CGE)."
 
The meeting ended with a lighthearted online game of Pictionary, creating a sense of camaraderie that transcended cultural differences. "Even though I didn’t win (and lost pretty badly!), it was such a fun and light-hearted moment that brought everyone together," she recounts. "It reminded me how much joy can come from shared experiences."
 
While the organization is still in its early stages, Dhage and her team are actively planning events that will further promote cultural exchange. From co-hosting a Global Café to planning socials and collaborative events with other campus organizations, WorldWide Community at FSU aims to create opportunities for students to connect and learn from each other’s cultures.
 
One of the key ways WorldWide Community at FSU seeks to make an impact is by serving as a resource hub for international students. Dhage envisions the organization providing guidance, answering questions, and helping international students navigate their new environment at FSU. "We want to ease the transition to campus life and the U.S. for international students," she says, adding that the organization plans to collaborate with the CGE and other campus resources to ensure students have the support they need academically, socially, and personally.
 
Dhage sees a bright future for WorldWide Community at FSU, with plans for growth and even larger events. "I envision us hosting cultural festivals, speaker panels, and bigger social events that showcase different countries and traditions," she says. "We also want to establish mentorship programs where international students can connect with domestic students for guidance and support. Ultimately, I see WorldWide Community at FSU playing a key role in promoting globalization at FSU," she adds."
 
For Dhage, leading WorldWide Community FSU has also been a journey of personal and professional growth. "It’s helped me build the skills necessary to run an RSO, from planning events to managing logistics," she reflects. "I’ve learned how to utilize campus resources like the Student Government Association and Student Organizations and Involvement to benefit the organization."
 
Beyond the logistics, Dhage values the opportunity to connect with others and navigate cultural differences. "Leading this organization has strengthened my ability to build meaningful relationships," she says, adding that the experience has given her a sense of purpose and confidence that will carry over into her future career.
 
Dhage hopes that students from all backgrounds will see the value in participating in WorldWide Community at FSU. "My goal is for members to build meaningful friendships and broaden their cultural awareness by engaging with unique perspectives," she says. "I want them to leave each event or interaction with a deeper appreciation for the richness of different cultures."
 
As for any students considering joining, Dhage offers simple but enthusiastic advice: "Go for it! You’ll get the chance to meet awesome people from all over the world, bond over how bad we all are at Pictionary, and explore different cultures without even leaving campus."
 
WorldWide Community at FSU aims to become a vibrant force for cultural exchange, connection, and globalization on campus and an organization where every student can find a sense of belonging, no matter where they’re from.  To join WorldWide Community AT FSU, students can start by following them on Instagram to stay up to date on their events and activities. Students can also check out the Nole Central page to get more information and sign up.