International Exchange Student Buddy Program

College of Arts and Sciences

Adjusting to a new cultural environment can be exciting and challenging. New international exchange students at Georgia State University often have a lot of questions and concerns during their first weeks on campus. The International Exchange Student Buddy Program was created to ease the transition, with current GSU students helping new international exchange students.

We promote:

ü  Individual connections between current students and new international exchange students

ü  Building a more globally minded community

ü  Peer support in finding ways to be actively involved on campus

Why become a buddy?

ü  Be a cultural ambassador to new international students

ü  Make friends and join our global community

ü  Gain insight on different cultural values and world views

ü  Add evidence of global engagement to your resume

Buddy Responsibilities:

ü  Attend a half-day orientation/training session at the beginning of the semester

ü  Email your assigned exchange student at least once a week for the first month to answer questions about GSU and life in Atlanta

ü  When exchange students arrive, meet with your buddies soon after their arrival and give them individual help

ü  Plan on at least two social activities during the semester (e.g., coffee, lunch, a movie, Thanksgiving, a walk in Piedmont Park, an arts festival)

ü  Submit a brief evaluation at the end of the semester

Qualifications

ü  Current, full-time GSU student

ü  Effective communication skills

ü  Sincere interest in helping people

ü  Respect for religious, political, sexual orientation and cultural differences

ü  Grade point average of 3.0 or higher

ü  Complete orientation/training

Please fill out Application

International Exchange Student Buddy Program Application

College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University

The most important factor in international students’ adjustments to American culture was frequency of interaction with American students. (Zimmerman, 1995, p. 329)

I am delighted that you are interested in serving as a Buddy for an International Exchange Student. Our experience indicates that being a Buddy opens up the world to students in ways that they hadn’t expected. You may even develop a friendship that lasts over time. Once you have decided to be a Buddy, please respond to the questions below. If you have questions contact me (Dr. Gayle Nelson) at….

Last (Family) Name: / First (Given) Name:
Age: / Gender:
Country of Origin: / Email:
Languages Spoken: / Languages Studied:
College: / Major:
Minor: / GPA:
Buddy Preferences (e.g., gender, country, languages

Tell us about the international experiences you have had.

What activities might you do with your Buddy?

Why would you like to join this program?

Please provide names, departments, and emails of two GSU faculty who know you. Let them know that you have given their names as references.

How did you hear about the program?

Send the completed form to Gayle Nelson, Director of International Programs, College of Arts and Sciences…