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Buddy Program for international students

As an international student (Incoming), you have the opportunity to be mentored by a MLU student (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 still have any questions after reading the relevant section (either Be a Buddy or Get a Buddy), please contact us at welcome@remove-this.uni-halle.de.

Be a Buddy: Support international Students [for Buddies]

Are you interested in becoming a buddy?

Please register via this link until August 15th: Mobility Online

Documents for our Buddies (only in German)

Leitfaden für Buddys, vom 11.12.2025
Erstinformation nach Art. 13 DSGVO, vom 21.03.2019
Nutzungsbedingungen für Mobilty Online, vom 10.09.2019
Datenschutzbestimmungen für Mobility Online, vom 10.09.2019

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?

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 winter semester is August 15, 2026.If you are selected as a buddy, you will receive confirmation by mid-September 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. — MLU / International Office

Get a Buddy: be supported by a MLU-Student [for Incomings]

A new country, a new language and lots of organisational questions can make starting university a bit of a challenge. But with the Buddy Programme, you’re not on your own.

What is the Buddy Programme and why is it worth having a buddy?

In the Buddy Programme, experienced students (the Buddies) help international students (the Incomings) get started at MLU.
Your buddy will help you find your way around campus and the city. They’ll answer questions about everyday student life and give you helpful tips on life as a student in Germany.

How can your buddy support you?

Your buddy can help you with things like:

taking your first steps at university. For example:
- your Buddy will help you find your way around campus;
- you can ask your Buddy any questions about your studies and academic structures in Germany;
- your Buddy will give you insider tips on leisure and cultural activities in Halle.
Everyday matters, such as shopping or dealing with the authorities
You’ll also get to know new people more quickly and make contacts with other students.

Your buddy is not

Your buddy is not an official student advisory service or administrative body. They are also not available at all times. The Buddy Programme is about exchanging ideas, volunteering and treating each other with respect.
For legal, financial or other administrative matters, please contact the Welcome Team - International Office.

Why is it worth participating?

You’ll find it easier to settle into everyday academic life at a German university;
You can get personalised support from experienced students;
You can make new friends and build international connections;
You’ll feel more at ease and comfortable in Halle;
Overall, you’ll face fewer barriers when interacting with local students and will hopefully find it easier to make connections.

Sign up for the Buddy Programme and get off to a good start in your studies with some support. We’ll try to find a suitable buddy for each and every one of you.

This is how it'll look like on Mobility Online:

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