Buddy programme
Buddy programme for exchange students
A semester abroad can be terrifying. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
Every exchange student gets a buddy.
Participating in the buddy programme will not only help you to learn about living and studying in Duisburg and Essen, but will also ease your initial contact with Germany and Germans.
About the buddy programme
ISAAC runs a buddy programme which helps exchange students settle in quickly. A buddy is a UDE student volunteer who functions as a contact person and will help you during your stay at the UDE.
Your buddy can assist you in dealing with paperwork and answer your questions about everyday life in Germany. Participating in the buddy programme will not only help you to learn about living and studying in Duisburg and Essen, but will also ease your initial contact with Germany and Germans.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact the buddy team at buddy@uni-due.de.
What does a buddy do?
Your buddy will contact you before you arrive via e-mail, facebook etc. If possible, you might arrange for them to pick you up from a local airport/station and in the first weeks of your stay they can help with official matters such as opening a bank account and registration at the town.
They can support your orientation at the university and you might even take part in ISAAC events together.
How do I get a buddy?
If you have been admitted as an exchange student, the buddy team will automatically try to match you with a UDE buddy before you arrive so that they can contact you and answer any questions you have.
There will also be a buddy matching event in the Welcome Days so that you can still find a buddy if you haven't been matched before you arrived or if you haven't had any contact with your buddy. This will also be a fun chance to meet all of the other exchange students.
ISAAC events
During the semester, ISAAC offers a variety of fun activities at very student-friendly rates for you and your buddy. Here some examples of previous activities: online quiz, visits to the zoo, museum trips, soccer/volleyball tournament, laser tag, paintball, ballet/opera, weekend city trips…
ISAAC will give you further information and explain how to sign up for events after you arrive.