Buddy Programme - support for international students
Are you about to start your degree programme at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and would like support at the start of your studies? Would you like to gain intercultural experience, make new international contacts and make it easier to start your studies? Then sign up for our Buddy Programme!
Get in touch - be a Buddy!
The Buddy Programme connects new international students with experienced FHP students who have already been studying at the university for more than one semester. The programme is all about support with the studies, informal exchange, intercultural experiences, and having fun together! After signing up, you'll be matched with your Buddy partner — and you're ready to get started!
Become a FHP Buddy
Each semester we are looking for FHP students from all departments who are interested in supporting new international students at the start of their studies with questions about studying at University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and everyday life in Potsdam and Berlin.
Reasons to become an FHP Buddy
As a Buddy
- make contacts with international students,
- get to know other cultures and languages,
- get an opportunity to develop an intercultural competence,
- experience everyday student life in Germany from a different perspective,
- help new students settle into a new city/country,
- can share your experiences,
- receive a certificate for your voluntary work.
Tasks of FHP Buddies
- Contact (before arrival, on arrival, after the start of the programme)
- Assistance with orientation at the university, in Potsdam or Berlin
- Individual support with everyday questions and during your studies
- Support with dealing with authorities/language barriers
- regular contact (before/on arrival, after the start of the studies and during the semester)
Requirements for FHP Buddies
- Interest in exchange with international students
- Knowledge of the FH Potsdam - at least 2nd semester
- Reliability
- for the certificate: short documentation of the meetings/report of experience (template)
- Participation in the kick-off and closing events
- for the certificate: short documentation/report of experience (a template will be sent via E-Mail)
Overview of the program
Before the start of the semester:
- Registration;
- digital kick-off meeting for FHP Buddies (mandatory);
- Matching;
During the semester:
- Participation in one (or more) events during the introductory week, e.g. joint lunch break, bar hopping, city tour, etc. (optional);
- Support with questions about studying or living in Potsdam/Berlin or informal exchange;
- Attendance at an event organised by the International Office (mandatory);
At the end of the lecture period:
- Participation in a joint final session (mandatory);
- To receive the certificate: fill in the report.
Registration
Before the semester begins, there will be a digital kick-off meeting for FHP Buddies, and you will receive the contact details of your personal buddy.
Contact us
We have a dedicated Buddy Programme email address. If you have any questions or need help, please contact us at buddy@fh-potsdam.de.
