Over 150 international students start the buddy program!

Over 150 international students start the buddy program!

Interest in buddy programs to support international students is continually growing. Currently, over 150 international students have applied for the buddy program at the Technical University of Freiberg registered, which starts in the coming semester. Marcus Dietrich, program coordinator in the International Office, expects continued strong interest in this important initiative.

The Buddy Program aims to help international students get started in Germany. Buddies, who are mainly recruited from among local students, support their international colleagues when they arrive in Freiberg, start life at the university and integrate into the new environment. The buddies work on a voluntary basis and, through their support, not only open up numerous opportunities for help, but also potential for intercultural exchange and personal friendships.

Regular meetings and networking opportunities

The International Office organizes regular meetings for buddies to exchange news and say thank you for their commitment. These meetings are open to anyone interested and offer a valuable opportunity for networking and exchanging experiences and challenges.

Interested students have the option of either sending an email to mentor [at] iuz [dot] tu-freiberg [dot] de or registering directly as a buddy. The dates for the meetings are communicated via the university information newsletter so that all potential buddies always have up-to-date information available.

Registration and exchange programs

In addition to the TU Freiberg, the University of Augsburg also offers a similar buddy program. This is aimed primarily at international students who are starting their studies in Augsburg. Dedicated buddies from Augsburg help these students settle in and promote intercultural exchange. Registration for the program will be possible from July 1, 2025, with the process taking place via the “Mobility Online” portal in two steps: First, an online form must be filled out, followed by registration with personal information.

Another example is the “Intercultural Buddy Program” module at the Technical University of Berlin. Students who want to supervise international exchange students can take part in the program here. In addition to orientation support, such as airport pickup, the program also enables the exchange of language, culture and experiences. Participants can also collect points for their coursework.

Overall, it can be seen that buddy programs at various universities not only provide important support for international students, but also offer the opportunity for intercultural learning and personal development.