Being an International Student Buddy

International Student Buddies are friendly faces for new international students to provide support and guidance. You will help new international students settle in, not only to university life but to a new country. 

This role is unpaid and considered volunteering. It will not count towards your 20 hours per week work limit if you are a Student visa holder. 

As an International Student Buddy, you will:

• contact your student(s) at least once a week to see how they are doing
• be on hand to answer any questions relating to university life that your student(s) might have
• check how your student(s) are settling into life at university
• signpost your student(s) to various university departments and services that may be useful eg Writing Centre, Student Hub.
• be available to meet your student(s) in person occasionally

Role requirements

• you need to be a full-time international or home student 
• you need to be studying a full-time course at the University of York and will still be a student at York in the 2025/26 academic year, OR a Master's student completing in September 2025
• you will need to complete the International Student Buddy online VLE training module and attend a one hour Zoom training session in the Summer Term
• you will need to attend at least one of the matching events
  • 12-3 pm 24 September 2025
  • 12-3 pm 1 October 2025

Once appointed, you will need to complete a compulsory online training module (expected to take two to three hours) by 1st September 2025. This training will cover a range of issues which Buddies could face.

You will also be required to attend a live training session over Zoom.

You'll be invited to attend one of the compulsory in-person matching sessions on 24th September and 1st October. This will also give you the chance to meet the student(s) you are matched with, as well as other buddies.

You will have the support of the International Student Support Team throughout your recruitment, training and time spent volunteering as an International Student Buddy.

As well as the satisfaction you will feel from helping new international students settle into life and study at York, you will also:

• meet and get to know other students from across the University and from other countries and cultures 
• find out more about the University, including support and opportunities available to all students
• have the flexibility to carry out this voluntary role around any other commitments you have
• be involved in new international student welcome events
• receive a reference and a certificate from the International Student Support team

In addition, you will be able to develop and practice many transferable skills that will enhance your employability. These include skills in: 

• decision making
• verbal communication
• written communication
• problem solving
• time management
• using your initiative
• relationship building

The Careers and Placements team offer useful advice on developing and presenting your skills. Have a look at:

• Your employability skills for more information about valuable skills and how to develop them 
• How to write a CV for advice on presenting your skills and experience within your CV or job/course applications