About the Buddy Program
The Buddy Program at TU Bergakademie Freiberg offers valuable support specifically designed for international students. The program connects new international students with experienced students known as buddies (mentors) who play a crucial role in assisting newcomers with their orientation in the city of Freiberg. Buddies provide international students with guidance and support during their initial days in Freiberg, helping them navigate various formalities.
However, the Buddy Program is not limited to practical assistance alone. While buddies support international students with tasks such as accompanying them to official appointments and providing practical advice, they also strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
One of the main goals of the Buddy Program is to foster a sense of community and facilitate cultural exchange. By bringing together new international students as mentees and experienced TUBAF students as buddies, the program encourages the building of friendships. Sometimes, they can even develop into a support network throughout the students' academic journey, fostering a deeper connection to the university and the local community.
Our Buddy Program aims to make international students feel supported and connected, helping them integrate into TUBAF campus life.
The Foreign Students' Working Group (AKAS) organizes various events such as the Festival of Cultures, excursions, and much more. Foreign students have the opportunity to make an active contribution by showcasing their home countries, culture, or the history of their nations.
I need assistance (new international students)
One of the main advantages is the support and guidance provided by your personal buddy. Buddies assist with questions regarding your studies, navigating the campus, student life, and daily routines in Freiberg. This ensures a smooth start at the university.
The Buddy Program also promotes intercultural exchange, as international students have the opportunity to learn about German culture and traditions through their buddies. At the same time, they can share their own experiences and cultures, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.
Our buddies also help you build your social network by facilitating connections with other German and international students, fostering the formation of new friendships.
Furthermore, the program provides an excellent opportunity for language practice. Through regular communication with your buddy and other German students, you can improve your German language skills and apply them in everyday situations.
Moreover, our buddies offer support with administrative matters such as residence permit application, visa extension, health insurance, and more. This streamlines the initial processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
Last but not least, you will be integrated into the student life at TUBAF. Your buddy will keep you informed about events, clubs, and other activities that enrich the student experience.
In order to be assigned a buddy, it is recommended that you register for the Buddy Program at least three weeks before your arrival in Freiberg by filling out and submitting our registration form. Once we have successfully received your information, we will get in touch with you at the appropriate time.
Register now! (form only available in English language)
I want to assist (enrolled TUBAF students from 2nd semester onwards)
The Buddy Program facilitates intercultural exchange. You have the chance to connect with students from different countries and cultures, allowing you to develop your own intercultural competencies and benefit from their experiences. This not only broadens your horizons but also promotes understanding of other cultures.
Engaging as a buddy also allows you to expand your own network. You will be in contact with other buddies as well as international students, enabling you to establish new connections, make friendships, and build potential international connections.
Moreover, the role of a buddy strengthens important soft skills. You will develop abilities such as intercultural communication, teamwork, leadership qualities, empathy, and social competence. These skills are invaluable in many professional fields and can be advantageous for future career opportunities.
In addition to the professional benefits, the Buddy Program also brings personal enrichment. You can witness the happiness and gratitude of international students as you help them overcome challenges.
Furthermore, your engagement as a buddy is recognized by the International Office of TUBAF. As a registered buddy, you will receive:
- Certificate of participation in the Buddy Program at the beginning
- Workshop on intercultural competence (planned)
- Confirmation/evaluation of your voluntary work at the end
This can have a positive impact on your resume and improve your chances in future applications.
At the beginning of the semester, you become a guide for the new student. You will give him/her practical support and explain how things work in Freiberg and in Germany.
Typical tasks of a buddy are for example:
- Support with finding accommodation and enrolment
- Pick up from Freiberg train station and accompaniment to accommodation
- Accompaniment with visits to authorities
- Joint leisure activities
Being a buddy is a lot of fun. You'll improve your social skills and learn a lot about German offices. You'll meet interesting people and make new friends.
All students get a certificate of participation in the Buddy Programme.
Minimum requirements:
- Enrolled student at TUBAF
- Availability during the month before the start of the new semester
(i.e. you should be available in September for the winter semester and in March for the summer semester) - At least in the 2nd semester
- Minimum language proficiency of B1 in German*
- Minimum language proficiency of B2 in English
- Helpfulness and relibability
*If you do not meet the language requirements, you can still register. We would make a note of it in the buddy list and reach out to you at the appropriate time.
Please register for the Buddy Program first (see tab 'Register as a Buddy now!'). Following your registration, you will receive a confirmation email. We will get in touch with you to arrange an informal meeting for introductions. Towards the end of the semester, a survey will be conducted, allowing you to indicate whether you would like to continue participating in the Buddy Program. If you decide not to continue, a participation certificate will be issued to you.
You meet the minimum requirements for participation (see above) and would like to support future fellow students from abroad at the beginning of the semester? - Great! You can register for the Buddy Program here!
Register now! (form only available in German language)
We are looking forward to having you on board and thank you in advance on behalf of all new incoming international students!
Guide for Buddies
The guide is password-protected. The Buddy Program coordinator will provide you with the password after successful registration for the Buddy Program.
Contact
If you have further questions whatsoever, feel free to reach out!