How many steps are there in front of Old Main? Where on campus can you find a mule skeleton?

These were just some of the questions students had to answer as part of the Conversation Partners "Meet n' Greet" Scavenger Hunt Social last night. The event paired international students with American students in an effort to connect people from different cultures, practice language and learn more about the community. About 150 students attended the event, which was sponsored by Global Connections, a community-based nonprofit United Way agency.

"Our mission is to foster international community understanding and bring internationals to educate others about their cultures," Executive Director Merrill David said. "It's a really great way to introduce them into the community and make them more comfortable."

Groups for the hunt were made up of one English-speaking student and an international student. For Chinese native Lin Gao (graduate-human resources development), and American student Rachel Guldin (sophomore-journalism), communication sometimes got in the way.

"It was really interesting to see what got lost in translation," said Guldin. "I had to stress my mind to see what [Gao] was saying."

The two students began their search in the HUB-Robeson Center and ended outside Bouke Building to gather different colored leaves. They used gestures and a broad vocabulary to understand each other and complete the questions.

"During this activity we worked together and I think it was a very good step for our friendship," Gao said. "I am very appreciative of this excellent opportunity."

At the end of the scavenger hunt, groups with the highest amount of answered questions were given a prize. Donated by local businesses, prizes ranged from a Penn State embroidered sweatshirt, to a blue and white football.

Like Fuyu Yi (graduate-industrial relations, human resources), many students said they felt better informed about the community after the hunt.

"The questions were all very difficult about Penn State," Yi said. "I now feel like I know more about Penn State. It was a really good chance to have fun with my partner and work together."

Programs coordinator Eva Letwin said that was one of the goals of the event, along with team building.

"We made sure we had a mix of things they should know," she said. "It's a very rewarding program for every participant. All over campus, all these students are meeting and I wanted to bring them together."

Letwin stressed the Global Connections programs are not limited to Penn State students because it is separate from the university.

"You don't have to be a student to participate with us," she said. "No other agency does this."

Attendees said they were appreciative of the event.

"If there was not a program like this one, we could not communicate with each other," said Sattam Alotaibi, a student from Saudi Arabia studying English. "They accept people and if there is a problem, they try hard to solve it. It is a great event."

Nnamdi Offor (junior-premedicine) agreed and encouraged others to get involved.

"Most people stick with what they know, but they need to branch out and experience different cultures," he said. "More people should think about joining."