What is it?
Our Global Buddy scheme is a friendly mentoring scheme where we pair our international students with current Ulster students to help them settle into life on campus and in Northern Ireland.
We understand that coming to live in a new country is very exciting, but it can also be stressful, and it may take time for our international students to adapt to their new surroundings. This scheme helps support this transition.
Who can apply?
- New international students can join the scheme to be matched to a buddy (Mentee)
- Existing Ulster students can volunteer to become a global buddy (Mentor)
How does it work?
Global buddies will be required to complete an online application. We will then match each mentee with a mentor according to similar preferences or special requests where possible.
Mentors will introduce themselves to their Mentee prior to their arrival at Ulster and all mentors will be required to attend a briefing session in advance so they know what is required.
A welcome event will be organised for each campus where everyone can meet in person for the first time to become acquainted.
We recommend that buddies make regular contact with each other, and this can be via telephone, social media, e-mail or in person whichever the buddy prefers.
The matching process will occur prior to the start of the Semester.
How long does it last?
The Global Buddy Scheme runs throughout the year, but students take part in the scheme every semester. When students apply to the scheme they are part of the scheme for 1 semester supporting our new international students.
Global Buddies are expected to spend around 1 to 2 hours a week with their buddy and to try to meet up in person at least every 2 weeks (where possible).
What do past buddies say?
Listen to what our past buddies have to say about the Global Buddy Scheme.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please email globalbuddies@ulster.ac.uk.