The Pro-Buddy Program
The Pro-Buddy Program at the University of Bonn brings international and local doctoral students together. Register now to enjoy an exciting program of intercultural exchange.
What is the Pro-Buddy Program?
Doctoral students who are already established in Bonn (“buddies”) help and support their international counterparts (“mentees”) who have just arrived as they embark on their doctoral studies and their life in the city. Tips, advice and assistance from highly committed buddies make it easier to become familiar with the University and get settled in Bonn.
Have we sparked your interest? Information on how to register for the Pro-Buddy Program and what else the program offers you is available here.
How can I become a mentee?
Are you a new international doctoral student at the University of Bonn with questions about doing your doctorate and living in the city? Would you like to have someone to contact for questions and help getting started in Bonn? Then sign up for the Pro-Buddy Program now!
The most important information at a glance
All international doctoral students at the University of Bonn can take part in the Pro-Buddy Program.
- The chance to meet doctoral students already established in Bonn and other international doctoral students (networking within the University)
- Assistance with important official steps (e.g. registering with the city authorities, opening a bank account, taking out health insurance)
- Help finding your way around campus and the city, including, if needed, support with the enrollment process, finding acommodation or registering for University sports
- Credit toward the Certificate of International Competence
- Improved German language skills, if needed
- Lasting international friendships
Summer semester: March 01 to June 01
Winter semester: September 01 to December 01
You can also apply from your home country before you arrive in Bonn. Please sign up for the Pro-Buddy Program online by completing the registration form once you have read the instructions for the registration process in Mobility-Online (PDF).
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will be matched straight away, although we will do our very best. We would ask for your understanding, however, should the process take a bit longer.
How can I become a buddy?
Have you been doing doctoral studies at the University of Bonn for at least one semester? Do you live in or around Bonn, know the ins and outs of the University and the area and would like to get involved? Are you outgoing and want to help new international doctoral students as they begin their studies and during their stay in Bonn? Then sign up for the Pro-Buddy Program now!
The most important information at a glance
All doctoral students at the University of Bonn can take part in the Pro-Buddy Program as a basic principle. However, they should have completed at least one semester at the University as a doctoral student and have a good command of German or English.
- An interest in spending time with international doctoral students
- An outgoing, open-minded personality
- Good German or English language skills
- The time and willingness to help up to three international doctoral students for a semester
- The opportunity to meet new international students and other buddies (networking within the University)
- A certificate confirming your volunteer work
- Credit toward the Certificate of International Competence
- Improved language skills
- Lasting international friendships
- Make contact with your mentee(s), potentially even before they arrive in Bonn
- Be the person they can contact for questions
- Meet your mentee(s) in person after they arrive in Bonn (potentially even greet them off their plane or train)
- If necessary, help them to find a room in Bonn or to move into their dormitory or shared accommodation
- Help them navigate important official steps (e.g. registering with the city authorities, taking out health insurance, opening a bank account)
- Give them tips for everyday life (e.g. public transport, shopping options, cell phones, Internet, culture)
- Get them involved in student life (e.g. visits to the International Club, parties, communal cooking, day trips, cinema)
- Help them get started at the University of Bonn (e.g. enrolling at the Student Registry, exploring University facilities, registering for University Sports)
Summer semester: March 01 to June 01
Winter semester: September 01 to December 01
Please sign up for the Pro-Buddy Program online by completing the registration form once you have read the instructions for the registration process in Mobility-Online (PDF).
Contact
Sandra Papel
Also see
Certificate of Intercultural Competence
Earn international qualifications! Receive a certificate for your extracurricular engagement in international and intercultural activities.
Campus International
The Campus International program seeks to promote greater intercultural exchange at the University of Bonn.