Study Buddy Program

Source: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/international/campus-international/study-buddy-program Parent: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/international-students

The Study Buddy Program brings international students together with other students at the University of Bonn. Register now to enjoy an exciting program of intercultural exchange.

What is the Study Buddy Program?

The program matches newly-arrived international students (Mentees) with a University of Bonn student (Buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The Buddies give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their Mentees to become familiar with the University and get settled in Bonn.

Interested? Information on how to register and what else is included in the program is available here.

How do I become a Mentee?

Are you a new international student at the University of Bonn with questions about studying and living in Bonn? Would you like to have someone to contact for questions and help getting started in Bonn?

Then register now for the Study Buddy Program.

Instructions for registering (PDF)2

Key information

Who can participate?

All international students new to the University of Bonn can participate in the Study Buddy Program.

Are you an international doctoral student? Register for the Pro-Buddy Program3.

What can the Study Buddy Program offer you?

Help with your arrival, if needed
Help with visits to the authorities (registering as a resident of Bonn, opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance)
Help finding your way around the campus and city of Bonn
Credit towards a Certificate of Intercultural Competence4
Improved German language skills
Meeting University of Bonn students and other new international students
Participation in activities with other members of the Study Buddy Program
Long-term international friendships

When and how can I register?

Summer semester 2026: January 15 to April 30, 2026\ Winter semester 2026/27: July 1 to November 15, 2026

Please complete and submit the online application form5 at least three weeks before your arrival in Germany to register for the Study Buddy Program.

Get to Know the Study Buddy Program

Video Study Buddy Program

Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube

How do I become a Buddy?

Have you studied at the University of Bonn for at least one semester? Do you live in or around Bonn, know the ins and out of the University and the area and would like to get involved? Are you outgoing and want to help international students as they begin their studies and during their stay in Bonn?

Then register now for the Study Buddy Program.

Instructions for registering (PDF)7

Key information

Who can participate?

Any University of Bonn student can participate, regardless of whether they are in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program or preparing for state examinations. You should, however, have completed at least one semester at the University of Bonn and have good command of both German and English.

What should I be able to offer?

An interest in spending time with international students
An outgoing, open-minded personality
Good German and English language skills
Time and willingness to help one to three international students for one semester (especially before and during the initial weeks of the semester)

What can the Study Buddy Program offer me?

An opportunity to make new friends with international students and other Buddies
Written confirmation of your volunteer work
Credit towards a Certificate of Intercultural Competence4
Improved language skills
Participation in activities with other members of the Study Buddy Program
Long-term international friendships
First-hand information about a country or partner university where you will study
Information to help you make or revise preparations for your own foreign stay

What are my responsibilities as a Buddy?

Make contact with your Mentee(s) before they arrive
Be the person they can contact for questions
Personally meet your Mentee(s) after their arrival in Bonn (or even when they arrive at the airport or train station)
If necessary, help them find a room in Bonn or move into the student dormitory or shared accommodation
Provide help with visits to the authorities (e.g. local registry office, International Office, health insurance, opening a bank account)
Give tips for everyday life (e.g. public transport, stores, cell phones, internet, culture, etc.)
Include them in student social life (visits to the International Club8, parties, cooking together, excursions, cinema, pubs, etc.)
Help them get started at the University of Bonn (e.g. enrollment at the Student Registry, familiarization with University facilities, registration for courses, examinations, university sports, etc.)

When and how can I register?

Buddies are mainly needed between the end of August and beginning of October (winter semester) and between the end of February and beginning of April (summer semester).

Summer semester 2025: January 1 to April 30, 2025\ Winter semester 2025/26: July 1 to November 15, 2025

Please complete the online application form9 to register.