The International Buddy Scheme is a non-academic, peer to peer support scheme coordinated by SUBU (Student’s Union at Bournemouth University) that aims to help new International Students settle into life at University and in Bournemouth.

Coming to University can be quite daunting, particularly when you have moved to an entirely new country! We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to strike up new friendships and settle in. Often it can help to speak to someone who has done it all before, that's why we've set up the International Buddy Scheme.

We match up new International Students with continuing students (Buddy Volunteers) who can share their hints and tips for settling in to life at University. The Scheme aims to help New International Students settle into life at University, decrease social anxiety and isolation, encourage a development of communication skills, and to create an opportunity for New International Students and Buddy Volunteers to develop and demonstrate intercultural competence and enrich their CVs.

The scheme will last for four (4) weeks and you will explore through a different theme each week. Across these 4 weeks Volunteer Buddies will share hints, tips and where to gain support around mental health and wellbeing, education and support, careers and employability and extracurricular and activities.

 

Timings of the Scheme

The scheme is currently running for the 23-24 academic year.
Applications for January 2024 are now OPEN.

Find a Buddy Volunteer

If you are an international student and would like to be matched with a Buddy Volunteer to gain support, help you settle into uni life and get in touch for regular catchups, then this scheme is for you! We can pair you up with a Buddy volunteer who will contact you for a chat or to meet up. Interested? Click Find a Buddy below to register your interest!

What can I expect from the scheme?

• You will be matched with a buddy volunteer on a first come first served basis after attending a training day with SUBU staff and officers 
• You will meet with your buddy at least once a week to explore the 4 different themes for 4 weeks
• Your buddy volunteer will share their lived experiences with you and their personal tips
• Your buddy volunteer will share contacts for key support services
• Your buddy volunteer will introduce you to the exciting and fun opportunities available to you whilst studying at BU

Applications are currently OPEN

Click Find a Buddy below to register your interest!

 

Become a Buddy Volunteer

If you’re a confident, empathetic student, who’d be happy to contact a fellow student once or twice a week, why not sign up as a volunteer? You’d be there to provide a friendly ear and to check on how they’re getting on. We will provide training and SUBU staff will be on hand to support you with the role.

To be a buddy volunteer, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Be a current and continuing student at BU available on campus (not on a placement year). 
• You do not have to be an international student, any student can become a volunteer buddy.
• Have a passion for guiding others with patience and consideration.
• Demonstrate good communication and listening skills 

In addition, the following experiences would be a benefit to the role:

• A registered volunteer on the SUBU volunteer hub.
• A student involved with activities and events at SUBU.

What will be expected of me as a Buddy?

• You will be matched with an international student on a first come first served basis after attending a training day with SUBU staff and officers (Date TBC)
• You will meet with your matched student at least once a week to explore the 4 different themes over 4 weeks
• You will share your lived experiences with your matched student giving them hint and tips on how best to settle into life at Bourenmouth University and the surrounding areas
• You will not be qualified to give advice on legal matters, housing or mental health for example. You will share contacts for key support services thata re available through BU and int he local area.
• You will introduce your matched student to the exciting and fun opportunities available at BU, SUBU and the local areas

Applications are currently OPEN

Click Become a Buddy below to register your interest!

 

Please note: although we will try our hardest to match each volunteer with a student, this is dependent on demand. We will match you with a Buddy based on your personal interests (as far as possible).

 

 

 

 

International Buddy Scheme FAQs