Become a Buddy: support an incoming international student
DEGIS gGmbH
- Migrants & Refugees
- Education & Language Support
- Hands-on Activities
- Mentoring, Sponsoring & Career Coaching
About the volunteering opportunity
Starting life in a new country comes with plenty of questions. Through our Buddy Program, DEGIS connects international students who are new to Germany (Newbies) with students who already know their way around (Veterans). As a Buddy, you'll be matched with one student and support them as they settle into their new life here.
Interested? Register directly here: https://degis.info/buddy-program/?utm_source=vostel&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=buddy_program_2026&utm_content=vostel
The program runs nationwide through DEGIS local chapters in more than 60 cities across Germany. Registration closes September 20, 2026.
Your Tasks
As a Buddy, you will:
- Be matched with an international student who is new to Germany
- Check in with your match around once a month throughout the semester
- Answer everyday questions and share your own experiences of settling into life in Germany
- Offer practical tips, recommendations, or simply a familiar face when they need one
- Help make their first months feel a little less unfamiliar
The commitment is approximately 1 hour per month, or around 6 hours in total for the semester. You can join if you are an international or returning student who has lived in Germany for at least 4 months. No DEGIS membership or formal qualifications are required.
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity you don't need any German skills.
To become a buddy, you should be an international student who has been living in Germany for 4 months or more, and be friendly, reliable, and happy to answer questions about everyday life, university, or bureaucracy. Prior experience with the international community is a bonus but not required.
Time required
Regularly
Approx. 1 hour per month.
On weekdays, on weekends, during the day
Buddies choose a time each month that works for both them and their matched student, check-ins can happen in person, by call, or by chat, whatever's easiest. There's no fixed schedule beyond that.
Important notice
As a buddy, you'll also get something out of it:
- Build connections beyond your own city
- Gain hands-on leadership experience
- Receive a 6-hour volunteer certificate
- Earn a recommendation letter and get featured on our social media (for Veterans who share three or more pieces of content about their Buddy Program journey over the semester)
Registration for our Buddy Program closes on September 20, 2026. Buddies will be matched with a Newbie student shortly after, based on shared interests or background where possible.
Location
DEGIS gGmbH
DEGIS (the German Association for International Students and Talent) works every day to build the largest community for internationals in Germany. We are a nationwide platform, offering trustworthy information, networking spaces, volunteer experiences, and local teams that aim to provide peer-to-peer support and connection to newcomers. Our mission is to support every international in Germany to achieve their dreams and goals.