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Buddy Program for international students

As an international student, you have the opportunity to be mentored by a student based in Halle (buddy).

The aim of the program is to make it easier for international students to settle into life in Halle and at the university, for example through organizational, cultural, and, in some cases, academic support from Halle students. The mentoring period lasts one semester.

Exchange students receive all the necessary information about the buddy program before their arrival.
As an international full-time student, you also have the opportunity to be supported by a buddy. If you are interested, please contact .

 

Be a Buddy: Support international Students

Be a Buddy: Support international Students

The link to apply to be a Buddy (via Mobility Online) will be displayed here as soon as applications open again.

The application deadline for the 2026 summer semester has already passed.

 

What is a Buddy?

Buddies support international students at MLU Halle-Wittenberg.

The aim of the programme is to make it easier for international students to start life in Halle and at the university, for example by providing organisational, cultural and possibly subject-specific support from students who are already familiar with these experiences.

"Buddies" are committed students who are interested in international contact and who support international students during the semester and especially in the often difficult initial phase of the study visit.

 

What are the advantages of being a Buddy?

  • With the Buddy Programme, you can collect 5 ECTS points as an ASQ module in your Bachelor's degree
  • Encouraging social and intercultural skills
  • Insight into other cultures and a change of perspective
  • Possibly expanding your own language skills
  • Certificate of volunteer work as a buddy at MLU

 

What is part of the Buddy activity?

  • Make contact prior to arrival
  • Assistance with travelling - reception at the train station
  • If necessary, help with finding accommodation and moving in
  • Support with visits to the authorities
  • Help with questions about studying
  • Initial familiarisation with the cultural offerings of the city, the International Office and ESN Halle

 

How will I be prepared for the Buddy activity?

Participants are prepared for their mentoring activities in an introductory event (briefing).

 

Are there any requirements for participation?

Necessary:

  • First two semesters of study must be completed
  • Attendance in Halle from approx. two weeks before the start of lectures
  • German language skills are an advantage, but not essential. If you don't speak German, please indicate that you will be matched with an incomer from your English-taught degree programme.

In addition to the mentoring activity, the following requirements must be met:

  • Participation in the buddy introductory event
  • Submission of feedback form
  • Participation in an online learning object on the contents of the buddy introductory event

 

How to become a Buddy

To become a buddy, you must apply via Mobility Online   . The application deadline for the summer semester is February 28, 2026.If you are selected as a buddy, you will receive confirmation by mid-March at the latest. You must then attend one of the two briefing sessions. These will be offered either online or in person. The dates will be announced in due time.

If you have already been a buddy, we would of course be delighted if you became a buddy again. Your advantage: You do not have to attend the briefing again.

 

How time-consuming is it to be a Buddy?

Buddy work can be organised flexibly and depends on the support needs of the international students. As a rule, support is particularly needed at the beginning of the study visit. The mentoring period lasts one semester. Depending on capacity, one or more incomers are allocated per buddy.

 

Poster for the Buddy Programme: featuring photos of MLU and international students, a description (what is the MLU International Office’s Buddy Programme?) and a QR code that links to the International Office’s website.
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