To combat such notions, Setalvad has found pen pals in Pakistan for her schoolkids.

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Now it is possible to have friends and internet pals (pen pals reborn) from all over the world.

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In September 2010 Bernie Madoff became pen pals with Forbes contributor and former New York Times financial reporter Diana B.

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Students are also paired with on-line "pen-pals" in the U.S. who help extend their vocabulary, though perhaps not always of the textbook variety.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan