|
Students arriving in East Stroudsburg University for the first time may not be familiar with the North American lifestyle in general and with the city of East Stroudsburg in particular. You may wish to take advantage of this program. A "Buddy" is a primary contact person who provides information and guidance to someone who is unfamiliar with his/her new surroundings. The Office of International Programs will match international students with one of our ESU volunteers.
Goals of the Program
- To help international students adjust to their new environment on campus and with the city of East Stroudsburg.
- To facilitate the cultural exchange among members of the ESU community.
- To extend the opportunity to make new friends.
- To strengthen a sense of community.
Who can be a BUDDY?
Any member of the ESU community can volunteer as a BUDDY for an incoming international student. The most important is to want to help, to make new friendships and to learn about new cultures. Whenever possible, class level and majors are considered when pairing up with international buddies.
What will a BUDDY do?
- A BUDDY will take his/her role and responsibility seriously.
- Be a source of information.
- A BUDDY will be a primary contact person for an international student who provides information and guidance.
- Be a cultural guide.
- A BUDDY will help the new international student to get acquainted to ESU and East Stroudsburg.
- The specific duties of the BUDDY will vary, as some students may require more guidance than others. How much time is spent on the program and the nature of the activities will be for the most part left up to individual BUDDIES. However, it is likely that volunteering as a BUDDY will require very little time and effort.
The Office of International Program will expect from you as a BUDDY:
- To contact the new student (usually via email) while still in his/her home country as soon as possible after being matched.
- To meet with the new student on international student orientation session. After that, the frequency of possible future meetings will depend on the arrangements that the BUDDY and the new student make.
- To provide the student with an idea of what is expected of an ESU student and to share some tips about navigating the campus.
- To direct the new student to someone who might be able to provide them with more specific information when needed.
What does the Office of International Programs do?
The Office of International Program coordinates the International Student Buddy Program, including:
- Recruiting current students through the International Buddy Volunteer Form.
- Interviewing and advising BUDDIES.
- Pairing up BUDDIES with incoming international students.
The Office of International Program will prepare a Certificate and acknowledge BUDDIES every year during International Education Week (November).
Be a BUDDY!!
If you would like to get involved as a BUDDY, please contact the Office of International Programs.
 International Student Buddy Voluteer Form
| 
