Question 1

What are my responsibilities as a buddy?

Accepted Answer

As a buddy, you help your international student get settled and answer their questions. We appreciate your willingness to pick-up the student from the train station in Freiberg and guide them to their primary destination in town. This helps them a lot! In addition, you assist with administrative tasks at the local authorities (e.g. Registration office, opening a bank account and other formalities), introduce them to student life, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: Simply be a friendly contact.

Question 2

How can I communicate with my international student before they arrive?

Accepted Answer

We connect you via email. You can contact them and agree to go ahead as you wish. It’s always a good idea to briefly introduce yourself, and ask if they need any specific help at the moment.

Question 3

What if I don’t know the answer to my student’s questions?

Accepted Answer

We don’t expect to know everything, of course! If you’re unsure, direct them to the right university office or contact the Buddy Program coordinator for guidance.

Question 4

Can I help more than one student?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you’re willing and have time, you can support more than one international student. We recommend not more than three. Just make sure you can manage them effectively. It’s not the quantity but the quality that counts.

Question 5

Are there any events for buddies and international students?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The AKAS organizes social events, cultural evenings, city tours, and excursions.

Question 6

Who do I contact if I need help or advice as a buddy?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the Buddy Program coordinator or the International Office if you have any concerns or need assistance.

Question 7

What if I don’t have much time to meet in person?

Accepted Answer

We understand that everyone has different schedules, but as a Buddy, we expect you to be available in person when your international student arrives. Helping them with their first steps in Freiberg, such as finding their way around is an essential part of the program. After that, you can adjust your level of support based on your availability.

If you are unable to be physically present and your student needs help with arrival, such as being picked up from the train station, please inform the Buddy Program coordinator well in advance so we can find a solution.

Question 8

What happens after my registration as a Buddy?

Accepted Answer

After you registered as a Buddy, we will approach you via email to find a suitable time spot to get to know each other.

Question 9

Can I get a confirmation for participating in the Buddy Program as a Buddy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, active participants can usually receive a confirmation for their voluntary engagement. After the semester has begun, we share a special form for this purpose on various channels.

Question 10

When will I be assigned to an international student?

Accepted Answer

Matching depends on the number of international students and available buddies. We aim to complete pairings as soon as possible, and you will be notified once a match is found.

Question 11

Can I choose which student I am paired with?

Accepted Answer

Matches are made based on several factors. While we try to create suitable pairings, specific requests are possible, but cannot always be accommodated.

Question 12

Are there any rewards for participating in the Buddy Program?

Accepted Answer

While there’s no financial reward, you gain intercultural experience, expand your network, get to know new people from other places in the world, and can usually receive a confirmation of participation after your Buddy time.

Question 13

Where can I take my student to show them around Freiberg?

Accepted Answer

Good places to show them include - for example - the university buildings, of course, the city center, supermarkets, public transport stops, and popular student spots like Terra Mineralia, EAC, Neue Mensa or bars.

Question 14

What should I do if I have trouble finding accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Your buddy can give you tips on where to look for housing, but for official support, please contact the Studentenwerk Freiberg or check the link list provided by the International Office in our linktree.

Question 15

How do I register my residence in Freiberg?

Accepted Answer

You must register at the local registration office (Bürgerbüro) within two weeks of arrival. Your buddy can help you find the office and explain what documents you need.

Question 16

Where can I get a SIM card and open a bank account?

Accepted Answer

SIM cards are available at supermarkets, electronic stores, and online. For a bank account, you can visit a local bank. Your buddy can help you choose the best option.

Question 17

What are the first steps I need to take at the university?

Accepted Answer

You should visit the Admission Office at Akademiestr. 6, complete your enrollment, get your student ID, visit the International Office and register your university email to get important updates. Your buddy can guide you through these steps.

Question 18

How do I find my way around campus?

Accepted Answer

TUBAF has a campus map available online and at the International Office. Your buddy can also give you a campus tour.

Question 19

Where can I meet other international and local students?

Accepted Answer

You can meet other students at student clubs, university parties, international student gatherings, at the student café, and generally on campus. The university’s social media pages also post updates on events.

Question 20

What should I do if I have a problem with my studies or need support?

Accepted Answer

You can contact your professors, academic advisors, the International Office, or the student counseling services for help. Your buddy can also share their experience and guide you to the right resources.

Question 21

When will I be assigned a Buddy?

Accepted Answer

A buddy will be assigned closer the date of your indicated arrival during the registration for the program, i.e. approx. three weeks before your arrival. IMPORTANT: If you have registered but not yet given your arrival date, please drop a message to mentor@iuz.tu-freiberg.de AS SOON AS you know it.

Question 22

What should I do when my assigned Buddy does not contact me?

Accepted Answer

Please understand that our buddies are commited to the program and work on a voluntary basis. It might take them to reach out depending on their current study work load. If you have not received a reply by one week, please contact us.

TUBAF Buddy Program

The Buddy Program at TUBAF (Freiberg) is especially helpful for int‘l students.

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