International Buddy Programme

Adjusting to a new cultural environment can be exciting and challenging. New international students at Lancaster University often have a lot of questions and concerns during their first weeks on campus. The International Buddy Programme aims to help ease the transition.

We want to promote individual connections between current students and new international students, build a globally minded community, offer peer support, share your own cultures with your buddy and hopefully form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Why become a Buddy?

• Be a cultural ambassador to new international students
• Gain insight on different cultural values and world views
• Join our global community
• Make global friendships
• Receive 10 points towards your Lancaster Award

Responsibilities:

• Contacting the assigned buddies before arrival via email to provide information about campus life at Lancaster University
• Meet the assigned buddies from time to time and give them individual help
• Encourage your assigned buddies to attend events. In addition, there will be specific events for all those registered on the programme in welcome week and typically one event per term.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Current Lancaster University Student in 2024/25
• Attend the college host buddy training session (date and time to be confirmed)
• Effective communication skills
• Sincere interest in meeting and helping people
• Respect to religious, political, sexual orientation issues and cultural differences

We welcome applications from ALL our current Furness home and international students, whether you will be living on or off campus.

If you’re interested in joining the scheme and giving our new students a great Furness welcome, please complete the Expression of Interest form by Sunday 30 June 2024. You can also contact us with any questions at Furnessbuddies@lancaster.ac.uk