"Thank you for the great time!"

"We had a great time, thank you!" These are words that make Kathrin Sterzinger happy, because then two suitable partners have found each other again through the Buddy Program of the International Study|Language Center (ISZ). Sterzinger coordinates the program. In the Buddy Program, Kassel and international students(Incomings) can register and learn from each other.

The Kassel participants can improve their foreign language skills and intercultural competencies. Incomings have a direct connection to Kassel students right away, get to know the language better and get help with everyday questions - for example, how to deal with a government agency. "But they also clarify general things: How does life or shopping work? How is learning done? Can I approach profs outside the lecture hall?"

A particularly enriching factor, however, is the intercultural encounter between two people, he says. "They show each other a piece of themselves, give a glimpse into their lives and, ideally, their social environment," Sterzinger says.

Buddies in Corona times

And what questions do the international students have at Corona times? "Some are really in the void," Sterzinger says. Direct contact with fellow students is eliminated because of the loss of face-to-face classes. "There are, depending on your cultural makeup, very different ways of learning and interacting. That's where studying and social interaction often runs quite differently." The hurdle to asking for help is therefore also often a different one, he says, as the connection between fellow students, pressure to perform and, above all, interaction with instructors are very different. Incomings can therefore direct all their questions about this to their buddies.

The ISZ continues to mediate and plan. "The process of matching was fortunately digital anyway. We recommend that buddies contact each other digitally first. Some then go for a walk for a first meeting," Sterzinger tells us. Since the usual events are not possible at the moment, there will be an online buddy workshop for Kassel students until the start of the winter semester.

Sterzinger, who studies English & American Studies/Political Science at the University of Kassel, loves her work. She was in California herself for a semester abroad, growing up in an intercultural environment. The student wants to promote intercultural exchange and appreciates it very much. "I love how much people enjoy getting to know each other and growing together as buddies," she says.

How the buddy program works

Kassel students (buddy guides) who are at least in their 2nd semester at the University of Kassel and international students can participate. Buddy guides can also receive ECTS credits under certain conditions and, of course, a certificate of participation. Registration is done via an online form which can be found on the Buddy Program page.

More info on the Buddy Program: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/buddy

Contact:

Kathrin Sterzinger
Email: buddy@uni-kassel.de