15 december 2022

Would you like to help our faculty's new international students settle in? Show them around the university and the city? Sign up to be a Leiden Science Buddy for the spring 2023 semester!

The Science Buddy Program is organized by the Science International Office, and offered to all of our faculty's incoming international students every semester. A Science Buddy is a current student of the Faculty of Science who is easily approachable, and can share his/her experience and knowledge with our new international students.

What does a Science Buddy do?

As a Science Buddy, you will be matched to a few international students. The primary aim is to help them feel more at home at Leiden University. This means helping them with practical questions, but it may also mean organizing fun activities with your group, such as a walk in the park or going for drinks. How you interact with your buddies is up to you! Above all, you are a listening ear and reach out to your international students whenever necessary. The Science International Office supports Science Buddies and is always a point of contact.

The first contact with your students will be in January. This way, you can help them before they start their semester. You might also be able to help them get settled when they arrive in the Netherlands. Perhaps you could show them around the city—their student housing, university buildings, and other places to be. After this, the Science International Office will occasionally organize events where the Science Buddies and international students can get together, get to know each other, and have a good time!

Being a Buddy is not only a great way to give back, but also a good way to learn more about other cultures, start your international network, and practice your own language skills.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an enthusiastic and motivated student of the Faculty of Science 
• You have time to support students—especially in late January and early February 
• You are available for occasional activities and a Buddy information hour.

Timeline

Buddy application deadline: 10 January
Results matching & training: 18 January

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Nienke Kalverboer at the Science International Office.

We hope to see you soon!