Buddy Programme

Are you an international student who wants to be matched with a buddy? Please get in touch with us via international@uni-koblenz.de or visit us in the International Relations Office.

Join Our Buddy Programme and Make a Difference for New Students!

Are you interested in fostering a welcoming and inclusive community at our university? Do you have a passion for supporting others and making a positive impact? Look no further! We invite you to join our Buddy Programme and become a mentor and friend to our new international students.

What is the Buddy Programme?

The Buddy Programme is an initiative by the International Relations Office designed to support and guide incoming students, ensuring a smooth transition into university life. As a buddy, you will play a crucial role in helping new students adjust to their new surroundings, build connections, and feel at home in our academic community.

Why Volunteer as a Buddy?

Give Back: Being a buddy is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your university community. By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can make a significant difference in the lives of new students and contribute to their academic and personal development.
Expand Your Network: The Buddy Programme is an excellent way to expand your social network. By connecting with fellow buddies and mentees, you'll have the chance to meet new people from diverse backgrounds and form lasting friendships.
Develop valuable Skills: As a buddy, you will enhance your leadership and communication skills (in German and English) and gain practical experience mentoring and guiding others. These skills will prove invaluable as you progress through your academic and professional journey.
Engage in Cultural Exchange: The Buddy Programme promotes cultural exchange and fosters an inclusive environment. By interacting with students from different countries and cultures, you'll broaden your horizons and develop a global perspective.
Receive Credits and/or a Certificate of Appreciation: Within the Buddy Programme, we deeply value the dedication and commitment of our buddies. Thus, you will receive a Certificate of Recognition for your exceptional service as a buddy. We currently work on opportunities to receive credits for participating in the buddy programme.

What Will You Do as a Buddy?

Orientation Support: Help new students navigate their first few weeks on campus by providing information about university services, facilities, and campus life.
Academic Guidance: Offer advice on course selection, study strategies, and resources to help newcomers succeed academically.
Social Integration: Organize and participate in social activities such as group outings, game nights, and cultural events, to foster connections between newcomers and create a sense of belonging.
Emotional Support: Be a friendly ear and a source of encouragement for new students, helping them cope with the challenges of student life and offering guidance when needed.

How Can You Get Involved?

Joining the Buddy Programme is easy! Follow these steps:

Register: Register online here. We'll collect some basic information to help us match you with a suitable buddy.
Prepare: Attend a comprehensive training session where you will learn essential skills for being an effective buddy, including active listening, intercultural communication, and mentoring techniques.
Match and Connect: Once you've completed the training, we'll carefully match you with an incoming student based on shared interests, academic programmes, and other relevant factors, such as language skills. We'll facilitate the introduction and provide ongoing support throughout the programme.
Engage and Thrive: Make the most of your buddy experience by actively engaging with your assigned newcomer. Attend regular meetings, organize activities, and be a reliable source of support and guidance.
Celebrate Success: At the end of the programme, we'll celebrate our buddies' accomplishments and their positive impact on the new students' lives with a recognition ceremony and special awards.

Make a Difference – Become a Buddy Today!

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our university community. Join our Buddy Programme and make a lasting impact on the lives of new students. Together, we can create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment.

For more information or to sign up, please visit our website or contact the International Relations Office at international@uni-koblenz.de. We look forward to welcoming you to our international Buddy Programme family!