Be Buddy
FH Aachen | Jessica van de Pol
Every semester, around 30 international students from all over the world come to the Faculty of Business Studies to study as guests at FH Aachen. To help them find their way in their new environment, students from higher semesters act as buddies. The aim is an intensive exchange of culture, language and experience abroad between the international and the local students.
What does a buddy do?
As a buddy, you will look after several international students and support them in administrative, bureaucratic or social matters. As you are probably the first (private) contact for your incoming students in Aachen, you will certainly be pestered with many questions. Of course, the International Faculty Office is there to help you if you don't know what to do with all your questions.
Your tasks at a glance:
- First contact by email
- Greeting on arrival
- Help with important formalities, e.g. registration, handing over your flat, opening a bank account, health insurance, mobile phone contract, etc.
- Support in everyday life, as well as in everyday university life
- Organisation of joint activities in your free time
Application for the winter semester
What are the benefits of participating in the Buddy Programme?
As a Buddy at the Faculty of Business Studies at FH Aachen, you will establish contacts with international students and gain insights into other cultures. At the same time, you make it easier for the international students to familiarise themselves with Aachen. At the end of your one-month buddy activity, you will receive a certificate of participation for your social commitment and an expense allowance of approx. 300€ for your support. In addition to developing intercultural competence, you can also improve your foreign language skills.
What requirements should a buddy fulfil?
No special previous knowledge is required. You should be open-minded, open and curious about people from other cultures. Knowledge of foreign languages, especially English, is a prerequisite, as many of the incoming students do not (yet) speak any or only very little German. It would be desirable if you have already spent a semester abroad or are planning to study abroad in the future. We also assume that you are reliable and have the time to look after your incoming students.
If you decide to take part in the Buddy Programme, you agree to attend an introductory event before the start of the semester (February/August) and a feedback session during the semester. Participation is compulsory.
