Summer Term 2013: Dates and Meetings

17.04.2013         Buddy-Welcome-Meeting
26.06.2013         "Ending the Semester"

Regular Gathering (Buddy-Stammtisch) every first Wednesday a month from 9 p.m.
at Peppers (Deinsels Gasse 8, 89073 Ulm)

                 08.05.2013
                 05.06.2013
                 03.07.2013

What is the Buddy Programme?

The Buddy Programme is part of the wider project “Programm für die Förderung der Integration ausländischer Studierender” at the university of Ulm.  It is designed to help international students find their way at the university, and to facilitate the settling in Ulm. The cross-cultural encounter between German and international students plays a crucial role especially during the first and second semester. The exchange of cultures, languages and experience abroad will be encouraged and new friendships will develop. The Buddy Programme is essentially based on the voluntary efforts of students.

Who or what is a buddy?

"Buddy" is the English word for fellow or friend. German and international students or experienced and new students are paired together with the support of the International Office to help them “find their way through the Uni-Ulm-jungle" together. The best part is that this is all free of charge so there is no participation fee.

Why do I need a buddy?

If you come from abroad, you may be paired with a buddy right after your arrival in Ulm to help you get to know the city and your new university in the first few semesters. He or she is also the first opportunity for you to become better acquainted with Germans.

As a German buddy you will have the opportunity to gather "foreign experience" right here in Ulm/Neu-Ulm. You will get to know international students and their cultures and languages as well as learn how it feels to be completely new to a physical and cultural environment. 

How do I become a buddy? OR How do I find a buddy?

1. Filling out the registration form: Simply fill out the registration form and send it by e-mail or mail to the International Office, working area integration and orientation Buddy. Of course, you can always personally drop it off at the International Office. Please remember: the more accurately you fill out the registration form, the better we can find your “perfect” match.
2. Waiting for confirmation: Once we have received your registration, we will send you confirmation and information about dates and events within the Buddy Programme.
3. Matching of registrations: Once we have received enough applications, we will build buddy teams taking individual requests set out in the registration forms into account.
4. Information on buddies: After the matching of registrations we will notify you and your new buddy and equip you with the necessary contact information, and arrival dates if available.
5. Contact with your buddy: Now, there should be no more obstacles for getting to know your new buddy.
6. Meeting at the beginning of the semester: At the beginning of each new semester, there will be "Buddy" meetings organized by the Profin-team. There, all participants of the Buddy Programme have the opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed, cosy atmosphere and learn about the various mandatory and optional activities within the programme.
7. Feedback: We ask all participants of the Buddy Programme for a response at the end of the first semester (feedback form). On the one hand, we are interested in a general feedback because we are always seeking to adapt our offerings to your needs. On the other hand, we would like to know if you still want to accompany "your buddy" for at least another semester or you, an “experienced buddy”, are glad to help the new arriving international students in forthcoming semesters. 

If there are any problems, e.g. your buddy does not answer or never seems to have time, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

And a few more tips for a good cooperation...

Make arrangements
Arrange the terms of your contact together with your buddy. Speak about mutual expectations and the frequency of your meetings. In the beginning of your cooperation try to agree on fixed dates, later perhaps regular events such as once a week or every two weeks seem adequate. In any case, it is best to discuss these matters together and in advance. 

Remember the mutual respect. Please come to your appointments and meetings on time. Respect your buddy, his or her wishes, decisions and views and try to understand him or her.

You will find more information and the registration form for the Buddy Programme...

...by checking the links below or by contacting the International Office, working area integration and orientatio, tel: +49 731 50 31683, e-mail: Buddy

Here you find information, whether you are a:

·         German or experienced student

·         International student

We wish all the participants of the Buddy Programme lots of fun and joy and hope that by joining the programme friendships across national borders can be formed.