Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and Islamic scholar, once said, “Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world.” This month, 73 students and teachers from SMAN 10 Bengkulu built new worlds with their pen pals through ETA Hannah Semmes’ Virtual Pen Pals project.

Each participant was paired with an English-speaking buddy from one of 17 countries—volunteers from Hannah’s Instagram community. They kicked off the project with a letter-writing workshop in which Indonesian students practiced introducing themselves. Some took creative liberties, writing as aliens from Saturn or magical mermaids. Then, Hannah “sent” their actual letters via WhatsApp.

The international buddies responded with short videos asking about the students’ hobbies, lives, and culture. In return, the Indonesian students replied with their videos, building confidence in English while forging new friendships. Conversations covered everything from pets and local food to philosophy and the meaning of life.

The project fostered global friendships and deeper cultural understanding and allowed students to showcase their written and spoken English. Hannah was amazed by their creativity, confidence, and even their CapCut video-editing skills.

Many buddies continue chatting daily via Instagram and WhatsApp, learning about each other’s cultures while forming lifelong connections. Here’s to new languages, new worlds, and new friends!

Hannah Semmes is currently teaching at SMAN 10 Bengkulu, Bengkulu.