Buddy

Radboud Welcomes Newcomers launched a buddy project to support students with a refugee background in their daily lives at Radboud University. For a period of ten weeks, you will be paired with a student. As a buddy volunteer, you will make an important contribution to the well-being of these students by making them feel welcome and by being a point of contact for when they need help with something.

We kindly request our buddies to meet with their students at least once every two weeks and help them with various matters such as locating classes, navigating online learning platforms, and improving academic skills. As coordinators, we will do our best to facilitate a strong bond between you and your student by organizing enjoyable social activities, such as: introduction days and shared lunches!

To ensure you are well-prepared for your role as a buddy, we will hold an informative session at the beginning of the program. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in an intercultural communication training, which upon completion, will earn you a certificate—a valuable addition to your resume. We strive to enhance each new edition of Radboud Welcomes Newcomers, building upon the feedback and input provided by our dedicated buddies, as we make an even greater impact together!

Buddies from previous periods highly recommend the project and share their experiences:

• "It was incredibly heartwarming to engage with students and hear their positive experiences with this program... I am thrilled to have contributed as a buddy!"
• "The intercultural communication training was great! It was an enjoyable and interactive experience. The knowledge and insights gained were truly valuable."

As a buddy, you can expect to be part of a project that holds genuine social value, allowing you to gain invaluable experiences and perhaps even form new friendships!

Are you interested in becoming a buddy? Click on the registration form below to sign up. We look forward to seeing you in September!