Every semester we organize the ESN Buddy Programme, following our motto “students helping students”. We are excited to announce that, just like every semester, we are looking for motivated Buddies, who would like to help our incoming exchange students from Europe and across the pond (also called “Incomings”) in getting used to their new environment.
You, as a Buddy, can help the Incomings by:
- Establishing contact to the exchange students before their arrival in Graz
- getting the keys to their new home (dorm or flat)
- picking them up at the central train station or airport and taking them to their new home
- Showing them around on campus
- Being their go-to person for administrative tasks concerning university, city registration office, visa and everyday matters
- providing them with information on important events such as the “Welcome Week” organized by the Office of International Relations
- introducing them to our Austrian culture, cuisine and hospitality
- including them in your leisure time activities (cinema, cafés, sports, going out, etc. …)
- meeting at the weekly ESN International Regulars' Table (every wednesday)
- Attending events organized by ESN (e.g. excursions and parties)
You will find more detailed information (important addresses, etc.) in our information leaflet on the bottom of this page.
What YOU will get out of it:
- you will get to know interesting people from all over the world (culture exchange) and are able to improve your language skills in a fun way
- You will be able to gain important skills needed for organizing an exchange semester
- You will get to go on fun excursions, see beautiful places and genuinely enjoy yourself
- You will have the opportunity to establish long lasting international friendships
- You will be able to attend extra training specifically tailored to Buddies by the Office of International Relations
- You will receive the official ESN Buddy Programme Certificate after submitting a short feedback (adds an additional qualification to your CV)
Sign-up for the winter term 2023/24:
The sign-up consists of two steps: First, go through our online sign-up procedure. And second, check out our info meetings and/or the information we're sending you!
...one more thing
Please be in Graz before the beginning of the semester (End of January/Beginning of February or End of September/Beginning of October). That is when most of the exchange students arrive in Graz and need help in completing important administrative tasks. Please calculate some time to help them in doing so!
