The Buddy ProgrammeBecome a buddy to a new international student.
The Buddy Programme gives new international students a safe and welcoming start in Kalmar or Växjö – and gives you international experience without leaving campus.
How it works
You get matched – one semester at a time
- You are matched with a new international student (a “newbie”) based on the choices you make when you sign up.
- You are a buddy for one semester at a time – and you choose whether you want to be matched with more than one newbie.
- You are a first contact in Sweden: you answer questions about student life, the city, practical things and what it is like to live and study here.
- Once the student has arrived – suggest a fika or a beer. Broaden your horizons, have fun, learn something new!
Think back to how it felt to be new – and how it could have turned out without a mentor or friends.
Why become a buddy?
What you get
- You get to know students from all over the world.
- You develop your languages, make new contacts and have fun.
- You earn merit points from Linnaeus University that can be used when applying for exchange studies.
- International experience is an asset when you enter the job market.
Being a buddy suits both those who already have international experience and those who want to gain it.
Sign-up
How to sign up
- Sign up at buddyprogram.lnu.se – easiest from a computer. Fill in all the details and submit.
- You automatically receive a confirmation from studcoord@linnek.se. Keep an eye on the email address you gave – you may be asked to add details.
- You are invited to an introduction, in person or on Teams, with several dates to choose from. A good opportunity to ask questions.
- The matching result is sent to the email address you gave when signing up.
Matching rounds
There are usually two rounds per semester. If you are a buddy in the autumn semester, the first round is in June/July and the second in August; for the spring semester in December and January. Once you know who you have been matched with – find out something about your newbie's country and get in touch.
Finished studying but staying in Växjö?
If you want to keep spending time with international students, there is the local network Friend Family Kronoberg.