What is the buddy scheme?
The Buddy Scheme is an initiative to help new international students settle into the area and University life as easily and comfortably as possible. A student who has been studying at Cardiff Met for at least one academic year will be connected with up to 3 international students to meet in a group and on a 1-to-1 basis.
What is the role of a buddy?
• The scheme connects new students to buddies so that the buddies can share tips, knowledge and experience they've gained from university life with new students
• To socialise with the new students and other buddies
• Taking part and working together with other buddies to organise weekly/fortnightly on-campus and off-campus activities
• If needed, to signpost the new students to the correct university support departments
• To help new students to familiarise with Cardiff
• Promoting all the SU and international office opportunities to the new students
Why should students register to be a buddy?
• A chance to meet new people and make friends
• You can socialise with new students and the other buddies
• Learn things about another culture
• Can have fun introducing students to Cardiff
• Rewarding to help another student
• It will look great on your CV
• Develop transferable skills: Teamwork, leadership, organisation, communication etc.
• You can use your buddy hours towards the Cardiff Met Award
Who are we looking for?
• We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly students to be buddies
• Someone who is able to be flexible with their time, as this is a role you can fit around your time table.
• You need to be able to work in a team, and support each other with the running of the Buddy Scheme.
What is the time commitment for being a buddy?
In the first few weeks of the student arriving in Cardiff, you will meet up frequently to help the students settle. After the first few weeks you should meet up every 2 weeks.
The project will commence in the second term when the new international students arrive in Cardiff and will continue until the Easter break.
Deadline for applying for a buddy: 2nd December 2016
Buddy training will take place in January
Does it cost money to be a buddy?
Each buddy will be given up to a £50 budget which can go towards buddy activities, such as transport to organised visits, entry fees and refreshments
Training
All buddies must attend a training session before they can take on their role as a volunteer.
How to apply?
Please email Amy Campbell (acampbell@cardiffmet.ac.uk) with a paragraph explaining why you would like to be a buddy.