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Local students volunteering as Buddy

students walking in front of auditorium maximum
Photo: Kevin Ryl, ZIM UP

You may not be a native German speaker, but you have been studying in Potsdam long enough to know your way around and have the knowledge to help others?  You would like to gain intercultural experience and get socially involved? Then the Buddy Program is the right place for you! As a Potsdam Buddy, you will help international students settle in Potsdam or Berlin and at the University.

The main goal of the buddy program is to make it easier for international students to settle into their studies in Potsdam. Especially in the first weeks, a contact person for questions concerning the everyday life at the university as well as in Potsdam/Berlin is very important for the newcomers. In return, you get the chance to meet new people, learn about other cultures, participate in a meaningful project, and maybe even gain valuable contacts for your future career and social life. On completion of your buddy involvement, you can submit a participation report about your role as a buddy and we will gladly certify your participation.

You will be  matched with an International student - e.g.  exchange student (1 - 2 semester), degree-seeking student (bachelor or master) or PHD Student.

When registering for the Buddy Program, you have the opportunity to express various wishes regarding your future buddy. We have information on participants subject, age, gender, native language and interests and hobbies.  We try to take into account requests in this regard as much as possible. However, we try to assign the buddies in such a way that a same or similar field of study / campus is considered to form the basis for the buddy support.


Strichmännchen in blau und grün halten ein Schild hoch mit dem Schriftzug Buddy Up!

Online Registration

Here you can apply for the Buddy Program for the Summer Semester 2025. After your registration, you will be able to access the form.


Your responsibilities as local buddy

Responsibilities of a local buddy

What Potsdam Buddies are saying ...

How will the buddy assistance proceed?

1. Registration and coordination

2. Arrival

3. Briefing pack

4. Duration of stay

Certification

Buddy Certificate

Tips, Links, Help

Tips for a successful buddy assistance

What you could do with your buddy

Where to find help?