Buddy Programme

Are you an international student and would you like a buddy to support you? Please do not hesitate to contact the International Office at international.office@hsbi.de.

“... more than just a friend ...”
HSBI’s Buddy programme is designed to make it easier for international students to start their studies and settle in in Bielefeld and Germany. The offer is open to both exchange students and degree-seeking students who want to do a full degree here. The programme is a Local Erasmus Initiative and is supported by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Foreign Office.

Buddies – this is us:

• Experienced HSBI students who volunteer to mentor international students
• Currently more than 15 German and international students from various faculties

Who can take part?
All HSBI students who are interested in making international contacts and willing to support international students in their arrival and everyday life in Bielefeld can become buddies.

Buddies’ duties
Buddies help international students when they arrive at HSBI on an equal footing. They make the students feel welcome in Bielefeld, are reliable contact persons at the new place of study and offer information, support, guidance, help and orientation.

In concrete terms, this means:

• Contacting the international students by e-mail before they arrive in Bielefeld
• Picking them up at the train station and accompanying them to the accommodation
• Conducting a city and campus tour for better orientation
• Helping with important formalities such as enrolment, bank account opening, health insurance
• Supporting them as they create their timetable
• Supporting them in making contacts with other HSBI students
• Supporting them in their daily routines: shopping and leisure
   

How can I register?

If you would like to take part, simply fill out a registration form and hand it in at the International Office or send it to international.office@hsbi.de.

Of course, we will also provide you with information without obligation – by e-mail or in person.