Buddy Programme
What is the Buddy programme?
The Buddy programme is a programme run by the International Student Organisation ESN Twente and the Student Union. It is designed to help new incoming students adapt to their new lives in the Netherlands. It is aimed at building an international community which provides both EU and non-EU students a safe space to voice their opinions, integrate themselves in a new society, embrace new cultures, all while having fun. People from various countries come to Enschede and experience the so-called culture shock and find it difficult to break through barriers to ingratiate with the Dutch community, which is quite natural when you think of it, given that they are in a completely different environment away from their home country. That is where, we, the Buddy Committee strive to make a difference.
New students will be matched with ‘Buddies’ that have lived in the Netherlands for at least 6 months for the first 4 weeks of the semester. The Buddies will share their experience with new students and attend events together. The events are of different types and will be held over the course of the Buddy Programme that will allow new students to meet new people and find their way in Enschede.
New to the Netherlands?
Buddy programme
Fill out the form below so that we can match you with your Buddy. Once you have been matched you will be put in touch with your Buddy so that you can begin to find out more about your living in the Netherlands.
If you have any questions about the programme feel free to contact us here.
Pick-up service
Furthermore, the Buddy Committee, ESN Twente and the Student Union are organising a pick-up service. Volunteers from these organisations will meet you at Enschede station to help you with transportation to your accomodation, and to give you a warm welcome to the Netherlands. Interested? Follow the link below to find out more.
Interested in becoming a Buddy?
Thank you for considering being a Buddy! Past Buddies will agree that there is much to learn from being involved in the programme and being exposed to different cultures. As a Buddy, you will be linked to a group of international students who you will guide through the Netherlands and help to get familiar with the UT community.
Fill in the form below to register your interest in becoming a Buddy. Although the Buddy programme mainly focuses on getting familiar with the UT community, the student may very well ask you about opening a bank account or their visa. Of course, we do not expect you to know all this and therefore. Before the programme, there will be one brief meet, where you are explained your duties and the Do’s and Dont’s of the programme. You must attend one of these sessions. You will be supported through the process by the Buddy Committee..
To introduce the students to the UT community in addition to the official Buddy events, think of activities such as taking your matched students for an evening with your roommates, taking them to one of your sports practices or something requested by the student. They might be interested in some kind of association, so help them out and accompany the student to these activities. Additionally, the collaboration with ESN Twente will allow for extra fun activities for both you and the students you are matched with over the 4 week programme. Most of these events and activities will be free for you as a Buddy, thanks to the Student Union!
Expectations:
- Available during the Buddy training session. You will be matched before the training session.
- Available in the first module to actively help the student.
- Availability via WhatsApp or different media.
- Available for at least one activity per week.
For questions, please feel free to contact us by email: buddy@union.utwente.nl
