The start of a semester abroad or beginning of your studies is a very exciting time. There are many new things to discover and organize. Our student assistants and the CampusEngel EMERGE Ambassadors will help you with the bureaucratic formalities and by organizing cultural activities. These assistants supervise several exchange students at the same time but only one Welcome Buddy will be assigned to you and will integrate you into the social life in Flensburg. Welcome buddies are all student volunteers, so it is up to you how often, and where you meet.
Your Buddy can support you in the following ways:
- Orientation at the university: What does Zimt mean? How do I register with Moodle? Where can I get the best coffee? What can I do when I have time off between classes?
- General help with settling in Flensburg: going out, shopping (weekly markets, flea markets etc.), where can I get a cheap bike, recommended doctors ?
- Contact persons for other questions or problems.
- Help with language problems (as not all people in Germany speak English)
If things don't work out between you and your Buddy, please inform us by e-mail: buddy-PleaseRemoveIncludingDashes-@uni-flensburg.de.
If desired and still possible, we will refer you to another Buddy.
Send an e-mail to buddy-PleaseRemoveIncludingDashes-@uni-flensburg.de. If the questions cannot be answered by e-mail, we will schedule an appointment.
As a Welcome Buddy you accompany an "Incoming Student", or new "International Student" during the semester abroad or start of the studies at the EUF. How this accompaniment works is up to you. Grabbing a coffee, doing sports together, helping with language problems, taking part in International Center events together are some of the many possibilities. How much you integrate your Buddy into your private life is up to you, but you should plan to spend two or three hours per week during the semester with your Buddy. You are not responsible for finding accommodation or dealing with the authorities, but should help with social integration.
You can help your Buddy for example with the following:
- Orientation at the university: What does Zimt mean? How do I register with Moodle? Where can I get the best coffee? What can I do when I have time off between classes?
- General help with settling in Flensburg: going out, shopping (weekly markets, flea markets etc.), where can I get a cheap bike, recommended doctors ?
- Contact persons for other questions or problems.
- Help with language problems (as not all people in Germany speak English)
Buddy programs often develop into friendships for life.
Both German and International Students can become a Welcome Buddy. You should have studied at least two semesters at EUF, be interested in interculturalism, enjoy getting to know people and be sociable. Good language skills in English are desirable. Other languages are an advantage. Please indicate other languages you speak on the application form.
Interest in the culture of your buddy is quite natural and also desired. Please note, however, that the task of the Welcome Buddies is to make the start here in Flensburg easier for the incoming and international students and to introduce them to the German culture and language. It is not about you getting to know the language and culture of your buddy. In that case please register for the language tandem.
If things don't work out between you and your Buddy, please inform us by e-mail: buddy-PleaseRemoveIncludingDashes-@uni-flensburg.de.
If desired and still possible, we will refer you to another Buddy.
The Welcome Buddy program promotes cultural exchange between students from Flensburg and exchange students. As a Welcome Buddy you get to know students from other countries, gain insight into another culture and broaden your horizon. At the same time you can show your own culture to your Buddy and even develop a friendship for life.
If you are planning a stay abroad, your work as a Welcome Buddy will help you to prepare for it.
Of course, you can also note this commitment in your resume.
To receive the certificate, you must actively participate in the orientation meeting in the first week of March or September, attend at least six scheduled meetings with your buddy, and submit a short reflection at the end of the semester. The template will be sent via email.
Your buddy must also confirm your participation.
Please note that the certificate confirms active participation in the Welcome Buddy Program. If no scheduled meetings with your buddy took place, you are not eligible for the certificate. Please understand that this also applies if you offer meetings but they are declined by your buddy. The certificate does not confirm your intention to participate in the program, but rather your actual active participation.
Send an e-mail to buddy-PleaseRemoveIncludingDashes-@uni-flensburg.de. If the questions cannot be answered by e-mail, we will schedule an appointment.