Scholar Spotlight: Best Buddies Emily and Agnes Build Friendship Across Continents

For Emily Delgado and Agnes Moumtzi, friendship didn’t begin in a classroom; it started with a message across time zones. Learn how a cultural exchange through Hudson Global Scholars' Best Buddies Club sparked daily conversations, lasting connection, and a dream to one day meet in person.

Global Scholars: Emily Delgado and Agnes Moumtzi 

Homes: Greece and Colombia  

Hudson Global Scholars offers clubs and activities for its students. One of the most popular clubs is Best Buddies. The Best Buddies club is a virtual cultural exchange and friendship program designed to connect students across borders in a fun and meaningful way.  

A Friendship that Crossed Continents 

When Hudson Global Scholars students Emily Delgado of Colombia and Agnes Moumtzi of Greece were paired through the Best Buddies Club in 2024, neither expected to find a lifelong friend on the other side of the world. But from the moment they began chatting about their shared love of Squid Game, they clicked instantly.  

What started as a fun conversation quickly turned into a lasting friendship that continues today through video calls, Instagram messages, and daily voice chats. “We talk every day. We share photos, news, gossip. It’s really good because we connect every day, so we don’t lose our touch,” said Agnes. 

Building Bridges Through Best Buddies 

Each month, participating students are paired with a “buddy” from a different country and encouraged to regularly communicate over the course of a month. The goal is to promote global awareness, build interpersonal skills, and create a sense of belonging in the Hudson Global Scholars community. Moderators share a set of themed prompts to discuss together to break the ice, jumpstart their chats, and help them get to know each other. Together, buddies connect and report back to the group.  

There are many benefits of the Best Buddies club. With themed discussion prompts and encouragement to video chat and share, the program helps scholars like Emily and Agnes build meaningful global connections.

“Best Buddies is not just a complement to education, it’s something necessary,” said Emily. “The connection you have with people allows you not just to meet others, but also to create bonds with them.” 

Cultural Exposure  

Best Buddies participants gain firsthand knowledge of different cultures. They develop a deeper appreciation for global traditions, customs, and perspectives, learning to see the world through a wider lens.  

For both Agnes and Emily, the club opened their eyes to global cultures—especially ones they didn’t expect. 

“This was the first time I talked to someone outside of Greece or Europe,” Agnes said. “It impacted me in a good way because I got to learn more about different cultures from a different continent.” 

Emily added, “I didn’t expect to learn about Greek or Turkish culture. I thought we would just learn about the U.S., but I’ve learned so much more.” 

These buddies even discovered similarities in their cultural traditions, especially in dance. “Greek and Colombian folk dances have something in common,” said Agnes. “It’s really good for me to learn about different traditions.” 

Confident Communication in English 

In the Best Buddies club, guided, low-pressure conversations help students develop their English skills and their comfort level. The use of creative prompts encourages critical thinking and storytelling in a non-academic setting, helping students build English fluency and confidence in their communication. 

Emily and Agnes both speak multiple languages, but English is the language they share in common.  

At first, both students were nervous about starting conversations with strangers. But thanks to the prompts and a supportive atmosphere, they eased into the experience. Now, both students have grown in confidence and communication as they connect regularly.  

Community and Belonging 

The Best Buddies club creates a dedicated space for connection and friendship. More than just a monthly chat, it’s designed to be an intentional reminder that students are part of a larger, supportive international community. 

“Best Buddies is important for many people,” said Emily. “You don’t just get the chance to talk, you get to meet someone and share different stories about how you grew up. It connects people throughout the world—and it’s amazing.” 

For Emily and Agnes, their experience demonstrates that connecting with others around the world is a vital component of their education. Emily and Agnes were awarded a certificate of recognition for their participation from Hudson Global Scholars CEO Bruce Davis.  

Looking Ahead: Big Dreams and Global Adventures 

Even though they live thousands of miles apart, Emily and Agnes are determined to meet in person one day. They’re already saving money for a trip and dream of traveling to each other’s countries or even around the world together.

“We’re best buddies, and we’re pretty sure that if other people saw us, they would know instantly that we are really good friends,” Agnes said. Emily describes Agnes as “spontaneous and an amazing friend.”  

Advice from Emily and Agnes for Future Best Buddies  

Both students have a message for future Best Buddies participants: 

“Don’t be shy,” said Emily. “Talk to other people. The more you don’t communicate, the harder it is for people to get to know you.” Agnes agreed: “You have to open up to the person you’re trying to talk to. Share the different things you like, how you grew up, your traditions.” 

Their story is a reminder of the power of connection and the impact of one conversation across time zones. For Emily and Agnes, being Best Buddies became more than a club assignment. It began a lifelong friendship.