Connecting students across the world!
Have you heard of so-called "buddies"? The CZU Buddy Programme connects CZU students with international students who find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings during their stay in the Czech Republic. For these students, having a local friend who can help them integrate more easily is a great support. The CZU Buddy Programme helps to create a friendly and supportive environment for everyone coming to the university from abroad. It is primarily intended for international exchange students, but it will soon be open to all foreign students starting their first year at CZU.
Who is a Mentor?
A mentor is a CZU student who voluntarily helps an international student to adapt after arrival – from the first contact to everyday orientation in academic and social life. Mentors have access to the Buddy Guide and other CZU mentors involved in the programme. A mentor can also be a foreign student, but must have studied at CZU for at least one year. A mentor typically helps with:
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pick-up at the airport or train station,
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accommodation and completing arrival formalities,
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getting to know the campus, faculty and city,
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integration into the CZU student community.
Who is a Mentee?
A mentee is an international student coming to CZU who is looking for local contacts and appreciates help at the beginning – getting oriented around campus, the university system, and in Prague. A mentee can be:
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an exchange student from EU countries (e.g. within the Erasmus+ programme),
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an exchange student from CZU's partner universities outside the EU,
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an international student starting the first year of a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme at CZU.
How does it work?
All interested students register via the Broaddy application. CZU students (mentors) can choose one to three international students (mentees) to connect with. After being matched, it is recommended that the mentor contacts their mentee before arrival – for example via email or message – and offers help with practical questions. On the day of arrival, the mentor can pick up their mentee at the airport, show them the campus, or share a few useful tips about life in Prague. A good mentor is also willing to help with any questions that may come up during the student's stay.
Recommended procedures, tips and information can be found in the “Buddy Guide”, which each mentor receives after registration.
What do students gain?
Local CZU students:
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certificate of participation (useful in a CV or when applying for study abroad),
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improved language skills (especially in English),
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new friends from all over the world,
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experience with intercultural communication and event organization.
International students:
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personal support and easier adaptation,
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fast orientation in the university system and everyday life,
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new friends and contacts in the Czech Republic.
How to apply?
I am a CZU student (from 2nd year onwards) and I want to become a mentor for international students – CLICK HERE
Who coordinates the programme?
The Buddy Programme is coordinated by the CZU International Relations Office in cooperation with the CZU University Counselling Centre and the student organization ESN CZU Prague.
The main contact person is the Buddy Coordinator at ESN CZU Prague: buddy@esnczu.cz
Alternatively, you can contact: buddy@czu.cz
