Friendship Program

Buddy Program

The purpose for the Buddy Program is to link U of L students with incoming exchange students so that current students can help ease the visiting students' transition to Lethbridge and to the University. The new exchange students and their buddies will take part in a variety of buddy-initiated activities together, with the U of L buddies providing peer support and friendship to our short-term exchange students.

 

Friendship Family

The International Friendship Family Program provides students with the opportunity to become acquainted with aspects of Canadian culture and daily life through periodic interactions with a Canadian family during your exchange semester at the University of Lethbridge.

 

Reasons to join the Buddy Program

  • It's free!
  • You'll meet your first uLethbridge friend before arriving in Canada
  • Want to improve your English-speaking skills?  Your buddy will help you.
  • You can learn about Canadian customs and share your own culture

Request a Buddy (for Exchange Students)

Program Objectives:

  • To provide new exchange students with a uLethbridge student contact to ease the transition to Lethbridge and to the campus
  • To support English language learners
  • To assist returning uLethbridge outbound students with reverse culture shock by allowing them to share their experiences with exchange students who are facing the challenges and joys of a new environment
  • To provide a cultural exchange for all students regardless of year of study, and an opportunity for students to learn about exchange programs

Responsibilities:

  • Participate for a minimum of one academic term
  • Attend a mandatory Intercultural Awareness training and Buddy Program training session
  • Communicate with exchange students before their arrival in Canada
  • Meet exchange students upon their arrival in Lethbridge
  • Attend a meet and mingle session at the beginning of the semester
  • Have a sincere desire to be a friend to your exchange student.  Try to get to know your buddy as you would any other friend, and support them to the best of your ability

Time commitment:  8 hours per semester

Eligibility:

  • Must have completed one semester at the University of Lethbridge
  • Dedication to building an inclusive and supportive community
  • Strong interest in student and campus engagement

Benefits:

  • Create an international network of friends
  • Learning about another culture or connecting with someone from your own culture
  • Developing leadership and intercultural communication skills
  • Obtaining My Experience Transcript recognition

Buddy Program Volunteer Application

The International Friendship Family Program provides students with the opportunity to become acquainted with aspects of Canadian culture and daily life through periodic interactions with a Canadian family.

This program relies on local volunteer 'friendship families' meeting exchange students and welcoming them into their homes and lives by including them in family outings and/or meals on a regular basis (approximately once a month), for a period of four months.

Volunteer to be a Friendship Family