Li Wei, an international student from China, had been studying in Malaysia for six months. Although he attended classes regularly, he knew very few people outside his course. Most evenings, he ate alone and spent his time in his hostel room. While his studies were going well, he often felt lonely.
One Friday, a classmate invited him to an international student dinner. At first, he was hesitant because he did not know anyone there. However, he decided to give it a try.
During the dinner, students from different countries sat together and shared about their cultures, studies, and experiences in Malaysia.
“How are you finding life here?” Ahmed from Egypt asked.
“Honestly, I feel lonely sometimes,” Li Wei replied.
“I felt the same when I first arrived,” said Sarah from Kenya. “But these dinners helped me make friends. King Solomon, one of the wisest kings in the Bible, once wrote, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.'”
As the evening continued, Li Wei laughed, shared stories, and exchanged contact numbers with several students.
Over the next few weeks, those new friendships became an important part of his life. They studied together, encouraged one another during exams, and celebrated birthdays together. When Li Wei faced a difficult assignment, his friends helped him understand it. When others felt homesick, they supported one another.
Looking back, Li Wei realized that the dinner had given him much more than a meal. It gave him friendship, support, and a sense of belonging. He finally understood the wisdom of King Solomon’s words: life is better when people journey together rather than alone.
This story reflects the wisdom of King Solomon in the Bible. Li Wei’s experience shows that social connections help us overcome loneliness, support one another through challenges, and create a community where everyone can grow and thrive.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Li Wei feel lonely even though he was doing well academically?
- What did Li Wei gain from the dinner besides a meal?
- Why are social connections especially important for international students?
- The AntsEducare dinner is held only once every six weeks. How can students continue to encourage and support one another between dinners, and what are some ways they can meet more frequently?