International Office

Buddy Programme

What is the Buddy Programme?

In the Buddy programme, experienced students volunteer to support new international students or refugees in settling in to life in Ulm. The support extends from organisational matters to joint leisure activities.

Buddy matches have 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, you are welcome to join the events organised by the Buddy Programme or other international student support initiatives hosted by the International Office. To get a better overview on the past and upcoming events, please check out the event calendar. All student can participate in the events regardless of whether they have a Buddy or not.

Who is the Buddy Programme for?

The Buddy programme is made for…

… Ulm University students who are interested in being a mentor to new international students. 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 help settling in at Ulm University.

Three Reasons to Become a Buddy

Get to know Ulm

Explore the beautiful city of Ulm through freetime activities.

Expand your knowledge of Germany

Learn more about the customs and cultural uniqueness of Swabia!

Learn new languages

Practice your German or another language with your Buddy.

Weitere Informationen

  1. 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.
  2. Notification: As soon as a matching person is found for you, you will receive each other's (contact) information.
  3. Get in touch: Contact each other and decide on a means of communication. Plan a first meeting.
  4. Be a Buddy: Support your Buddy actively or be supported and enjoy your time together.
  5. Feedback: Please hand in your feedback form at the end of the semester.
  6. 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.

To receive a participation certificate, two criteria need to be met:

  • Be part of an active Buddy team for at least one semester
  • Take part in half of the events of one semester offered by us (either with your Buddy or on your own)

Testimonials

SoSe25: Picking Strawberries

The Buddy Program organized a fun and refreshing strawberry-picking activity for participants. This outdoor event provided an enjoyable way to experience local traditions while strengthening connections between buddies. Participants picked fresh strawberries together, shared stories, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the summer evening. The activity not only offered a hands-on agricultural experience but also encouraged social interaction in an informal and friendly setting. Many attendees expressed that it was a unique and memorable way to spend time together.

– Smit

SoSe25: The whole world in a garden

Another highlight of the summer semester was the guided tour of the Botanical Gardens. Participants explored a wide variety of plants from different regions of the world, learning about their ecological and cultural significance. The tour was both educational and relaxing, offering a chance to discover the beauty of biodiversity while walking through themed gardens. The engaging explanations provided by the guide helped participants connect more deeply with the natural world. Beyond the learning aspect, the event created space for meaningful conversations and bonding among buddies in a calm and inspiring environment.

– Smit

Past Events

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