Broaden your horizons with the Buddy Programme!

The FHNW School of Life Sciences (HLS) supports and promotes the Buddy Programme. It is important to us that our international students feel welcome and comfortable in Switzerland from the moment they arrive.

Registering your residence, what and how to recycle, which public transport ticket to buy, finding your way around campus and much more - international students have many questions when they arrive in a foreign country and have to cope with everyday life on their own. A stay abroad brings challenges. This is where the Buddy Programme offers support by connecting our local students with those from abroad. Every international student is assigned a buddy upon request. Buddies are experienced FHNW students who know their way around the FHNW, are familiar with everyday life in Switzerland and who can provide valuable information. They are not only there to answer questions, but also (if desired) to pick up their assigned student at the airport or train station, thus facilitating the start of the exchange semester. The buddies are often already in contact with the students before their arrival. International students thus benefit from having a direct contact person throughout their studies.

The Buddy Programme is open to all FHNW students who would like to get to know new people and cultures, improve their foreign language skills and expand their network. In addition, intercultural competence and sensitivity are strengthened. The buddies receive a certificate in recognition of their commitment as proof for future employers.

The Buddy Programme is coordinated by the FHNW Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Twice a year, the HLS International Office sends an email to all HLS students with the registration form and further information about the Buddy Programme. The emails are usually sent in December for the spring semester and in July for the autumn semester.