Each term, the International Relations Center at the WiSo Faculty (ZIB WiSo) and the PIM and CEMS Student and Alumni Club Cologne e.V. organise a Buddy Programme for guest students from the WiSo Faculty's partner universities. At the beginning of each term, ZIB WiSo looks for students and doctoral candidates interested in mentoring guest students for that term.

This spring we expect the majority of our incomings to arrive in mid/late March or early-April depending on their lodging situation.

Benefits of the Buddy Programme

• Meet students from all over the world
• Participate in the "Welcome Days"
• Participate in a number of exciting, international social events
• Develop your language skills
• Demonstrate social commitment during your studies
• Receive first-hand information about partner universities as optimal preparation for an exchange term

Responsibilities of a buddy

• Contacting and bonding with your buddy
• Contacting the guest student's landlord prior to their arrival (if needed)
• Collecting the keys to the flat or organising the hand-over of keys (if needed and possible)
• Collecting the guest student from the station/airport (Cologne/Bonn) and accompanying them to their accommodation
• Providing support in dealing with public authorities
• Where necessary, supporting guest students in other areas at the beginning of their exchange term
• Additional involvement is highly appreciated and welcome

Upon request, we will happy to issue a letter of acknowledgement covering your support and social commitment.

The registration for the Buddy Programme in the spring term 2024 is closed!