What is the Buddy Programme?
In the Buddy programme voluntary students from Ulm University are supporting international students or refugees. The support extends from organisational matters to joined activities.
Such a partnership has an official duration of one semester with the goal of providing a good start at Ulm University and facilitating the integration of the new students. Many of our matched Buddy teams remain friends after the official partnership has ended.
Apart from the privately organized meetings with your Buddy we offer regular events for the Buddy Programme and the international student support initiatives, that are hosted by the International Office. To get a better overview on the past and upcoming events please consult the event calendar.
Who is the Buddy Programme for?
The Buddy programme is made for…
… Ulm University students who will be mentoring. These students should be open and respectful in interactions with others and have to be willing to support their Buddy actively.
… new international students and refugees who are looking for first contacts and orientation at Ulm University.
Five Reasons to Become a Buddy
Get to know Ulm
Get to know the city of Ulm and the environment better during joined activities.
Improve your soft skills
Work on your key qualifications for work life by having new encounters.
Learn new languages
Start learning German or practice already existing language skills together with your Buddy.
Connect with people
Meet new, like-minded students from Ulm or all over the world and have exciting intercultural experiences.
Extend your knowledge on Germany
Learn more about Germany, the customs and cultural uniqueness of Swabia and about Ulm University.
Further information
- Registration: Register here and immediately receive a confirmation. The more detailed you fill out the form, the better we can match you to a fitting Buddy.
- Notification: As soon as a matching person is found for you, you will receive each other's (contact) information.
- Get in touch: Contact each other and decide on a means of communication. Plan a first meeting.
- Be a Buddy: Support your Buddy actively or be supported and enjoy your time together.
- Feedback: Please hand in your feedback form at the end of the semester.
- Want more? In case you want to continue being a Buddy mentor you will receive a new notification by the end of the semester (step 2).
- You are respectful, sociable, open-minded and reliable.
- You are motivated to perticipate in the programme and will take the time to do so.
- You want to get to know new people.
- You are planning and conducting leisure activities together and will spend time with each other.
- You will take part in events offered by the programme, ideally with your Buddy, but also on your own.
- You will cancel on time if you cannot participate in a previously planned meeting with your Buddy or in an event that you registered for. Punctuality and reliability are important!
- First person to ask questions about everday life and studies
- Accompanying the new student to the university, student housing and bureaucratical matters (e.g. the Bürgerbüro)
- Supporting the new student with organising their studies
- Communicating important dates and events, especially at the beginning of the semester
- Referring leisure activities and conduct them together
- Accompanying and supporting to help the new international person find their way aroung and settle in Ulm and at the university
- Reminder: You do not need to be reachable all the time! You are not a life coach and have your own studies to take care of. Do not forget to take time for yourself.
- Clearly communicate your ideas of the support.
- Choose the times that you want to spend together freely; usually having recurring dates, especially in the beginning, comes in handy.
- Stick to the fixed dates; if the is not possible, at least cancel on time.
- Be respectful and friendly towards your Buddy partner.
- In case your Buddy doesn't communicate or never seems to have time for you, inform us so we can act upon it.
Past Events
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