The Buddy program
Every year, approximately 800-900 students enroll in the Buddy program. The purpose of the Buddy program's is to ensure that newbies feel welcomed and secure in their new environment. Here you get more info on what it means to join the Buddy program.
What is the Buddy Program?
When you register as a buddy you will be matched with a new international student (newbie). If you register as a newbie you will (hopefully) be matched with a local student (buddy). The pairings are based on a range of choices participants make in the registration.
Being a buddy comes with many benefits. You get the chance to connect with international students by expanding your network, improving your language skills while having fun along the way! As a newbie, you have the chance to get to know local students and engage in intercultural communication.
Interested in becoming a buddy because you have been on exchange? Or, you have lived/worked abroad? Perhaps you see yourself in an international company in the future? In any case, international experiences are incredibly valuable! As a newbie you will contribute to and develop the local student community.
As a buddy, you answer questions about being a student at Lnu, student life, and more. Think back to how you felt when you were a newcomer, and how things might have turned out if you hadn't joined the introduction week or had anyone to ask for support. As a newbie you will discover many things that are different comparing to your home country. Your buddy may support you with that.
Linnaeus University welcomes students from all over the world: exchange students, program students, and students taking independent courses. An exchange student stays for a maximum of one year, while program students usually stay for 2-3 years. You become a buddy for one semester at a time. As a matched newbie you will officially have your buddy for one semester, but if you enjoy spending time together you will likely remain friends also after that 1st semester.
Buddies may receive a certificate after one semester to use in your application for exchange studies. Lnu gives merit points for various tasks you can do in your free time, and Buddy is one of them.
To become a buddy a fall semester, it's good to register in the spring and vice versa. If you' will begin studies at Lnu fall 2025, a new international student it is recommended to register during spring 2025.
Are you done with your studies Done with your studies, but will stay in Växjö and would like to continue to meet international students? Friend Family Kronoberg .
"Campus has become so much more fun since I became a Buddy."
How to register
- Register by clicking on the green button below. It is easiest to do from a computer. Fill out all the information, & send.
- An automated confirmation is sent from studcoord(@)linnek.se
- We may reach out to ask you to add info to your registration. Keep an eye on the email used upon registration to the Buddy program.
- You get an invite (by email) to an introduction that could be held physically, or on Teams. This is your chance to ask questions.
- Do you have any questions now? You are welcome to use the form at the bottom of the page.
- The matching result along with some practical info is sent to the email you used to register.
"My English improved when I became a Buddy"
What happens next
Usually, two matching rounds are conducted: If you are a buddy in the fall semester, round 1 takes place in June/July and round 2 in August. If you are a Buddy in the spring semester, round 1 takes place in December and round 2 in January.
When you have been informed of who you have been matched with - it is up to you if you're interested in more than one newbie - do a little research about the newbie's home country. Then you initiate contact. And answer any questions and potential concerns that the newbie may have.
Once the student is in Kalmar or Växjö, suggest to meet for a fika or a beer. Have fun, learn something new! If your newbie goes home after one semester and you want to be a buddy again, make a new registration for the relevant semester.
