Would you like to help a new international student settle in at Lancaster?

Choosing to live and study in a foreign country is a big step with many of our international students coming to the UK for the first time. Adjusting to a new cultural environment can be exciting and challenging. New international students at Lancaster University often have a lot of questions and concerns during their first weeks on campus. The International Buddy Program is being introduced to ease the transition. We want to promote individual connections between current students and new international students, build a globally minded community, offer peer support in finding ways to be actively involved on campus, share their own cultures with their buddy and hopefully form friendships that will last a lifetime.

Do you…

• have an interest in learning about other cultures?

• want to meet new people and share fun social experiences?

• have good communication and listening skills?

• want to build a strong and vibrant college community?

• have some time to spare?

• want to gain experience, boost your CV and increase your employability?

Why become a Buddy?

• Be a cultural ambassador to new international students

• Gain insight on different cultural values and world views

• Join our global community

• Make global friendships

• 10 points towards your Lancaster Award

Responsibilities:

• Contacting the assigned buddies before their arrival via email and provide information about campus life at Lancaster University

• Answer any questions they may have, or signpost them on to other College or University services that can help

• Meet up with your buddies during their first few weeks in Lancaster to help them settle in and give them any help they may need

Qualifications:

• Current Lancaster University Student

• Complete the required training

Requirements:

• Effective Communication skills

• Sincere interest in helping people

• Respect to religious, political, sexual orientation issues and cultural differences

• Undertake training

Training

• Wednesday 8th September from 2-4pm via Teams.

A training session will be held for all International Buddies and Staff involved with the Buddy Scheme on Wednesday 8th September from 2-4.30pm via Teams. There will a break part way through the training and as it is held over Teams, there is no need to come to Lancaster in person!

Deadline for applications:

• Friday 30th July by 12noon.

To apply, please send an email to Jo Dickinson at jo.dickinson@lancaster.ac.uk saying you are interested in becoming a Furness Buddy!