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What is the Global Buddy Scheme?
Our Global Buddy Scheme is a peer support scheme in which current students (Student Buddies) at Ulster support new international students during their first semester.
Moving to a new country to study is very exciting, but it can also be challenging.
Our student buddies are here to support you before you arrive and to help you transition to campus life once you arrive in Northern Ireland.
How does it work?
New international students wishing to speak to a student buddy can browse through our student buddy profiles and complete a short application form stating their top three preferred buddies they wish to be paired with.
The Global Buddies team will then connect current Ulster students (Student Buddies) with new, incoming international students using the information provided in the application. Our student buddies will then make regular contact with new international students via Microsoft Teams and arrange meet-ups throughout the semester.
Become a Student Buddy
Applications to become a Student Buddy for the January 2026 intake are now closed. All of our applicants are invited to a Student Buddy Application day! This is a chance for you to find out how to write your biography for your online profile and a chance to get your photograph taken for your profile image. Please keep an eye on your emails for further information.
Why connect with a Student Buddy?
Listen to what past international students have said about having a student buddy to support them.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please email globalbuddies@ulster.ac.uk.
