What is the Buddy Program?

The Buddy Program is an initiative of the Service of International Relations and Cooperation at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) whose goal is to foster social and academic integration of exchange students at our university.

The program involves mentoring exchange students who are going to be studying at the UMH in the upcoming school year. As a Buddy, you guide your international partner through their first steps, helping them settle in and adjust to life at the UMH with ease.

In return, UMH students get the opportunity to meet people from other countries, experience new cultures and languages, enrich their university experience, and earn additional points for future Erasmus and Destino program applications.

What are the objectives of the Buddy Program?

• Facilitate the integration of exchange students at the UMH.
• Help them adapt to academic and social life in Spain.
• Encourage the practice of speaking foreign languages for both parties.
• Promote cultural and social exchange.

What are the duties of a Buddy?

• Help the exchange student as much as you can.
• Welcome them upon arrival and show them around campus.
• Advise them on finding accommodations (UMH accommodations benefits).
• Help them integrate into the city’s youth and university scene.
• Introduce them to Spanish culture and society until they feel like a local.

What are the advantages of being a Buddy?

• Practice speaking another language and/or learn a new one.
• Participate in exclusive activities for Erasmus students.
• Earn 1 extra point at the end of the school year to increase your chances of going on exchanges with the Erasmus or Destino programs.
• Meet people from all over the world and expand your international networks.

How can I become a Buddy?

UMH students who wish to become Buddies and incoming exchange students who wish to request one must complete the following registration form:

• Buddy Program Application Form

Through this form:

• • UMH students may sign up to mentor an international student.
  • Incoming students can request a Buddy to help and accompany them during their start at the UMH.
  • Important: UMH students must log in with their @goumh.umh.es email address to submit the form.

Once applications are received, the Service of International Relations matches the applicants and provides both parties with each other’s contact information.

HOW DO I REQUEST A BUDDY CERTIFICATE?

To request your Buddy Certificate, simply send an email and the Service of International Relations and Cooperation will tell you what steps to take.

• Email:

Do you still have any questions and/or doubts?

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