Exchange Buddy Programme
Be the Friendly Face of Campus!
Broaden horizons. Build connections. Be the difference.
Make friends from around the world, share your culture, and discover new perspectives. By joining the Exchange Buddy Programme, you’ll not only support inbound students, but also grow your global mindset.
Sharing from our buddies!
Cream, SW (Spring 2025)
The Buddy programme taught me the value of patience and teamwork in a dynamic setting. During the serving period, I truly appreciate my passion for supporting exchange students. Even on the busiest days, I found joy in doing my best to help them feel welcomed and cared for!
Yuu, SW (Spring 2025)
One of the most memorable moments was welcoming and saying goodbye to the exchange students. It meant a lot that they enjoyed the local food I recommended, and we connected over spontaneous chats about everything and anything. Through it all, I learned to be more observant and tuned in to their unspoken needs.
Justin, MDIT (Spring 2025)
Grateful beyond words for the moments spent with these incredible souls. I talked late into the night, shard stories, and dived deep into what it means to be human. This semester has truly been a standout chapter of my year, filled with experiences I never would’ve had if I were on my own.
Rachel, BBA (Fall 2024)
I’ve learned the importance of cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness. Engaging with students from different backgrounds has taught me to appreciate diverse perspectives and challenge my own assumptions. I’ve learnt to navigate language barriers. Personally, this experience has deepened my empathy, as I’ve listened to the unique stories and challenges faced by my peers.
Susie, JMC (Spring 2024)
I enjoyed organizing the cultural activities, hiking, and riding bikes with them. What surprised me is that most inbound students told me that this exchange experience was the best of their lives, and they were very grateful to us. Thank you for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to meet people from all around the world and learn more about myself!
Bonnie, ENG (Spring 2024)
Being a buddy, I had an opportunity to communicate with people from different cultures and bring them all together. It was an incredible experience to represent the city and show others around. Learning about different cultures and sharing Chinese culture with them was particularly rewarding. It made me realize the importance of preserving each culture’s development for future generations.
Alison, ENG (Fall 2023)
Effective communication is crucial to overcome language barriers and build connections with peers from different backgrounds. Interacting with students of various nationalities has improved my proficiency in spoken English and Mandarin. Additionally, assisting inbound students with their needs has made me more responsible and has enhanced my problem-solving skills.
Gina, E&F (Fall 2023)
The most important lesson I learned was about time management and being prepared for unexpected situations. It’s crucial to complete tasks on time to ensure fairness for everyone involved. As the person in charge, it’s important to make sure that schedules are adhered to and that everyone’s safety is a top priority. This experience was beneficial to my future.