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Buddy Program

Subtitle

Build intercultural connections through interests, language, culture, and friendship.

Intro

The Buddy Program cultivates community by pairing new international students with continuing Blugolds.

During the semester, you and your buddy will spend time together and  expand your cultural horizons.

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Two Buddy Program students exploring the UWEC CultureFest together.

Creating Connection & Community

Through our not-so-scientific matching process, we'll ask you about your interests and then we match everyone based on their mutual responses.

You and your buddy will spend five hours per month hanging out. Whether you grab lunch in Davies, check out trivia night in Hilltop, or explore a new part of campus, that all counts towards the 5 hour per month requirement. Not sure what to do with your Buddy? Don't worry! During the semester, there are Buddy Program events where you'll enjoy some time with all the buddies! By the end of the semester, you'll have spent 15 hours learning from each other and building your cultural awareness.

Please note that the Buddy program is not a tutoring program, a dating opportunity, or a taxi service. This is completely to enhance the UWEC experience for all students through community and cultural exchange.

New International Students

Discover what UWEC has to offer from a fellow Blugold. All international students who are starting their first semester at UWEC are welcome to sign up during International Student Orientation Week.

If you're still learning English, that is great! The Buddy Program is an awesome opportunity to continue learning and practicing conversational English with other students.

Continuing UWEC Students

Explore Eau Claire with a new international student! All continuing (second semester or beyond) UWEC students are welcome to join the Buddy Program.

Study abroad returnees are highly encouraged to sign up and continue cultural exchange here in Eau Claire. Some study abroad students who participated in the Buddy Program even said it helped them navigate re-entry culture shock.

Continuing international students (second semester and beyond) are welcome to apply and become a buddy for a new international student!

Service-Learning Opportunity

As a continuing UWEC student, the Buddy Program can count for 15 hours toward your service learning requirement! Please review the Buddy Program Service-Learning Project Proposal  for additional details regarding service learning.

Please note you will need to find a mentor, typically an academic advisor or faculty member, for this service learning. The Buddy Program Coordinator cannot be your mentor.

Two Buddy Program students, one new international student and one returning, participating in CultureFest.
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Two Buddy Program students, one new international student and one returning, participating in CultureFest.
Buddy Program students trying new foods together at CultureFest.
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Buddy Program students trying new foods together at CultureFest.
College students in Davies getting creative with crafts.
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College students in Davies getting creative with crafts.
Group of Buddy Program students meeting for the first time
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Group of Buddy Program students meeting for the first time

Getting Started

Program Requirements

  • You must be enrolled at UW-Eau Claire for the semester you are applying to be a buddy. 
  • You are required to meet at least 15 hours during the semester, averaging 5 hours per month. 
  • Before you can meet your buddy, you'll attend a 30-minute orientation session that will review the program expectations and give you advice.
  • You need to come to the Buddy Program Meet & Greet, this is when you'll meet your buddy. (Some exceptions granted)

Application & Due Dates

Complete your application within the first week of the semester to sign up!

New International Students

Turn in your application by Wednesday, September 4, 2024! You'll automatically be accepted into the program once you submit your application.

Continuing UWEC Students

Turn in your application by Tuesday, September 10, 2024! Your application will be reviewed by CIE staff for acceptance based on a variety of factors. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an email from the CIE within the first two weeks of the semester with next steps!

Buddy Program Application

Meeting Your Buddy

During the first month of the semester, there will be an official Buddy Program Meet and Greet event to jump-start the semester! This is where you will meet your buddy for the first time and have a chance to meet all of the Buddy Program participants.

You must attend the Buddy Program Meet and Greet event to continue in the program. If you do not attend and do not communicate that you cannot attend with the Buddy Program Coordinator, you will be removed from the Buddy Program for the semester.

Page Family

Center for International Education

Schofield Hall 3
105 Garfield Avenue
Eau claire, WI 54701
United States

715-836-4411