Buddy Programme
Welcome to the Buddy Programme at Kiel University of Applied Sciences!
The first few days in a new country are wonderful and full of new discoveries and experiences, but at the same time challenging.
Our Buddy Programme offers international first-year students and exchange students (incomings) the opportunity to orientate themselves and integrate more quickly at Kiel University of Applied Sciences and in the city of Kiel with the support of a buddy (who is studying in a higher semester). It also contributes to cultural and linguistic exchange.
The supporting buddies contribute their experience in a helpful way. As a buddy, you can receive an official confirmation of your voluntary commitment.
Becoming a Buddy
- International contacts and intercultural experiences
- Opportunities to improve your foreign language skills
- Preparatory Get-Together
- Certificate of volunteer work
- Openness and interest in exchange with international students
- Time and willingness to support an international student for one semester
- Help with orientation at the university and during studies
- Support with settling in Germany & Kiel (e.g. dealing with authorities, leisure/cultural activities, accommodation, public transport)
- You should have already studied for at least one semester at Kiel University of Applied Sciences
- Contacting international students before their arrival in Germany
- Supporting international students:
- If necessary, support with travelling to Germany (e.g. picking up from Kiel train station)
- Assistance with administrative procedures (registration with the city, support with the immigration office, opening a bank account, dealing with health insurance)
- Organisation and implementation of meetings, events and excursions
- Marketing the International Club
- Organisation of the Buddy Programme for the upcoming semesters
- Exchange of experiences in an intercultural context
- Orientation and integration of international students
- Promotion of contact between German and international students
Finding a Buddy
- Assistance with travelling (e.g. picking you up from the train station)
- Assistance with administrative procedures (registration with the city, appointments with the immigration office, opening a bank account, dealing with health insurance)
- Help with orientation and integration on campus and in the city of Kiel
- Improvement of your German language skills through active communication with a native speaker or a student with fluent language skills
- A contact person for initial orientation on campus, in Kiel and in Germany
- A successful start to your studies in Kiel
- Exchange of experiences in an intercultural context
- Promotion of contact between German and international students