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The Buddy System is a cross-cultural peer connection program designed to:

• Build meaningful friendships
• Create a welcoming environment for international students
• Promote global awareness on campus
• Support students as they adjust to a new academic and cultural environment

It’s a fun, low-pressure way to learn about another culture and help someone feel at home.

Each participating domestic student is paired with an incoming international exchange student.
Buddies:

• Meet during the international student’s arrival week
• Explore campus together
• Share cultural experiences
• Check in throughout the semester
• Participate in a Goodbye Social at the end of the term
• If you aren’t selected this time, don’t worry—you may be matched in a future cycle when a country pairing becomes available

Whether you’re introducing someone to American traditions or learning about a new country, your partnership strengthens Central’s global community.

Before the semester begins:

• Join us on the international student arrival date
• Pick up the international student’s Blue-Chip ID
• Meet them at their residence hall and help them settle in
• Participate in Welcome Week events as part of your role

During the Semester:

• Connect regularly through informal meetups or check-ins
• Encourage participation in campus events and resources
• Share knowledge of Central’s academic, social, and wellness support
• Attend the end-of-semester Goodbye Social

We welcome students who:

• Preferably live on campus
• Are interested in studying abroad or have prior study abroad experience
• Know Central’s campus well
• Enjoy meeting new people and building community
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (preferred)

• Make global friendships
• Strengthen empathy, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Gain intercultural communication experience
• Boost resumes and scholarship applications
• Make a meaningful difference in the life of a fellow student

This experience expands your global perspective and creates lifelong memories.

Accepted buddies will receive:

• An acceptance email and partner assignment
• A training at the end of the semester
• Guidance on intercultural communication, cultural humility, and role expectations
• Access to the Study Abroad Office for questions
• A detailed Buddy Guideline email before international students arrive

This is a paid peer support role.
Buddies receive:

• $50 stipend during Month 1
• $50 stipend during the last month of the semester