Did you know you can make friends from the other side of the world without leaving your home? 
That’s exactly what Chinese and American students have been doing for the past five years!
When the COVID-19 pandemic made it hard to travel, a special program called the “Sister Cities of Long Beach” started an exciting cultural exchange. This program connected college students from China and the United States through letters and emails.
These students became pen pals, which means they wrote to each other to share stories about their lives, cultures, and hobbies. Imagine sharing your favorite games, foods, or festivals with someone halfway across the world!
Over time, dozens of friendships have blossomed across the Pacific Ocean. 
Students learned new languages, discovered different traditions, and found out how much they have in common.
This amazing partnership shows that even when we can’t travel, we can still connect and make friends in other countries. Who knows? Maybe you can find a pen pal too and start your own international friendship adventure!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
