Peer support for international students

Why international peer support?

As a local student you will get to enjoy the company of the new international students while gaining skills and experiences that are also valuable in working life. Welcoming new international students is a spectacular opportunity to learn intercultural communication, organisational skills, team working and language skills. What would be a nicer way to meet people and create networks all around the world, than playing a key role when the University hosts over 200 international students from 40 different countries every year?

The exchange students arrive for the Autumn semester at the end of August / in the beginning of September and for the Spring semester in the beginning of January. If you are available during that time and ready to welcome them at the start of their exchange adventure, then all you need to do is apply to become a welcoming buddy for exchange students!

New international degree students will from next year onwards have a different kind of peer support, the arrival assistants. These students are working closely together with the internationalisation services in providing extensive support to new international degree students by local students. As an arrival assistant you will provide essential support that enables new degree students to succeed in their studies and life in Lapland! Read up more on the arrival assistants below! (Coming soon!)

Applying to become a welcoming buddy

If you are a degree student at the University of Lapland, you can apply to become a welcoming buddy. In addition to the valuable experience and building networks, you will receive €150 for the work. If you plan to go abroad yourself on an exchange, being a welcoming buddy can be of your advantage when universities decide on exchange places. Due to the international networking while providing the peer support, you might then also have a friend waiting for you in the destination.

Interested? Seize the opportunity and apply to become a welcoming buddy for international exchange students! 

1. What is it about?
   As a welcoming buddy you are one of the first people to welcome new exchange students to Rovaniemi!
   Your tasks include:
   - picking up their keys for the apartment,
   - welcoming exchange students upon arrival,
   - helping them settling by showing them the facilities at their apartment and assist in filling the apartment card,
   - giving practical advise about studying and social life in Lapland, 
   - assisting during the orientation days.
   - Of course, some pre-arrival contact and support is needed as well!
   
   If you wish to extend your support or build a stronger social connection further in the semester, that is very much welcomed, but not an official task. Many buddies however do gain new friends! 
   You will be responsible for welcoming about 8-10 exchange students. 
   Want to know more? Check out the description in the registration link or shoot us an email to incoming@ulapland.fi .
2. Fill out the online application. (Deadline for Autumn semester welcoming buddies: 21.04.2025) 
   
3. Take part in the training for welcoming buddies on 15.05.2025 and 21.05.2025. Time to be announced! 

As a welcoming buddy you are part of the University’s international team. You will receive support and training for the tasks and may always bring issues to our attention. You can always count on the support of one of the advisors in case needed!  

Registration link: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/8F3A19A02085D895