Become a Buddy
Have you ever dreamt about knowing people from all around the world? Are you an open and communicative person who wants to help others? If your answer to at least one of these questions is yes – the Buddy program is something for you.
TU Dublin School of Art and Design International Buddy Programme is an initiative that matches incoming international students from all over the world with a student volunteer from TU Dublin based on similar interests. We look for volunteers who have a genuine interest in getting to know and help new students from all over the world.
+ Benefits of being a Buddy:
- Make international connections for the future.
- Learn about new cultures while making new friends.
- Help students from your academic background.
- Develop your communication skills.
- A great addition to your CV.
+ What are the responsibilities and tasks of a buddy?
- Be a friendly and welcoming face to 1 or 2 new buddies.
- Make contact via email with your international Buddies a few weeks in advance of the new term – check your emails during semester breaks for your buddies’ contact information.
- Answer queries and provide information on the University and the locality on an ongoing basis, as you would with your friends.
- Initiate a meeting with your international Buddies upon their arrival in Dublin.
- Create a chat group and invite your exchange students to join.
- Answer the questions of the incoming students.
- Be a contact person your group can rely on.
- Guide the cultural exchange and be part of it.
- Try to explain the Irish administrative process (registration etc.).
- Give helpful tips on studying.
- Explain where to shop, and where to do sports.
- Explore and enjoy Dublin and Ireland together.
+ How long should I be a Buddy?
- The program runs for the semester only, though you and your student buddies may wish to extend this period.
- The time you invest will vary. While your buddies will need the most support in the early weeks of the semester, you can volunteer for the entire semester. Please check in with your buddies even if they seem to have settled in, especially around midterm and exam time.
- We ask for a semester-long commitment, however, your role as a volunteer is not meant to take any considerable time away from your studies, student job, etc. Your role is to provide insider tips about TU Dublin School of Art and Design. Anything more complex can be referred to the School’s Academic Erasmus coordinator by email school.artanddesign@tudublin.ie.
- The Buddy Programme begins a few weeks before the semester starts so your buddies can ask you for packing advice.
- You can register again next semester.
- Being a buddy is voluntary and so is the time commitment. Most of the tasks of a buddy are limited to the time just before and after the start of the semester. So, it doesn't cause any stress during the semester.
+ Requirements:
- To become a TU Dublin School of Art and Design Buddy Volunteer you must: be a fully registered student for the academic year.
- Have spent at least one semester on campus.
+ How can I become a Buddy?
To become a Buddy, please indicate your interest by completing the online form (link). Signup opens several weeks before each semester. If this is your first time signing up, you won't be on our whitelist yet. You can attend one of our Buddy Info events or contact us for other options to get on the whitelist.
+ What is a Buddy Group?
Instead of matching one buddy to one incoming student, we may create buddy groups. This could help build more contacts and promote international exchange, because of the multiple nationalities in each buddy group.
+ Why are there two buddies?
Two buddies are a team. They can divide up tasks and combine their knowledge to help incoming students with their questions.
What is “matching”?
Matching is the process that creates buddy groups by assigning several incoming students to a team of two local buddies. The matches are made considering the interests and needs of the individuals while promoting exchange and diversity.
One of the exchange students has problems finding accommodation. What should I do?
The incoming students are not supposed to rely on you alone, they are responsible for organising their stay in Dublin themselves. However, maybe you know someone who has a vacancy, knows where to find the best listings, or can act as an interpreter for apartment viewings.
One of the exchange students has problems with the authorities. How can I help?
Incomings are often unfamiliar with some official things, such as registration forms, or they misunderstand some things. A little interpreting is often enough to solve the problem. The International Office of the TU Dublin may be able to help with unsolvable problems. In the rarest complicated cases, the incomings need to contact their respective embassy or consulate.