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Get to know the Buddy Program

The Buddy program allows you to get to know international students in Marburg. This way you can not only make new social contacts, but also improve your intercultural skills. The experience of the Buddy Program can also be useful in preparing for an Erasmus semester. For the buddies, you are potentially the first contact in Marburg and can thus make an important contribution to the integration of foreign students in Marburg. In the course of the buddy program you will not only get to know your own buddy, but also get to know the other internationals and the other students in Marburg through events.

The Program throughout the semester

Application and assignment

The application for the Buddy Program for the upcoming semester always takes place during the semester break. On the application form you indicate, for example, which languages you speak and which hobbies you have. This way we can find the best possible match for you. You will then receive the contact details of your buddy by email. 

Culture Workshop 

The Culture Workshop is offered to the Marburg Buddies at the beginning of each semester by Mrs. Völsch (from the Anti-Discrimination Office). The three-hour impulse workshop offers the opportunity to prepare you for your job as a buddy. The focus of the workshop is on dealing with your own unconscious assumptions and cultural differences. This will be complemented by simple exercises to promote constructive cooperation. Participation is not mandatory. With a successful participation you will receive a confirmation of participation.

Get together 

At the beginning of each semester there will be an information event including a Get Together. Here you will get all important information about the Buddy Program. Furthermore, the Get Together offers the space to get to know not only your own buddies, but also the other buddies. In a relaxed atmosphere you will play social games and chat with other buddies over snacks.

Events throughout the semester 

Together with the student council we organize smaller events during the semester. In the past years we have organized events such as picnics in the park or pub evenings. The form of the event depends on the participation and the wishes of the Buddies. 

Evaluation and certificate 

At the end of the semester we ask for the participation of an Ilias evaluation. Only in this way we can constantly improve the Buddy Prorgamm and adapt it to the wishes of the students. If you successfully participate in the Buddy Program, you will also receive a certificate of participation in the Buddy Program at the end of the semester.

Giannis talks about his experience with the Buddy Program

"The Buddy Program is always a great way to meet new people and cultures. We, as buddies, help you to get along in Marburg and to explore the city, but we also benefit and experience the great Erasmus life with you. Making contacts and internationalizing yourself will then come naturally..."