Frequently asked questions about the Buddy Programme
What is the Buddy Programme?
The Buddy Programme is a community at Umeå University that introduces international students to Sweden and helps them to settle in Umeå. The programme organises events and gatherings where international and established students can hang out.
How is the Buddy Programme organised?
The International Student Coordinator coordinates the Buddy Programme and organises activities for all the Buddy groups. The International Student Coordinator is employed by Umeå University and works with the programme during one academic year.
All students in the Buddy Programme are divided into so-called Buddy groups. The groups consist of two group leaders, 8–10 established students as buddies and 30–40 international students.
What does a group leader do?
As a group leader, you are the closest contact to the International Student Coordinator continuously during the semester with updates on how the group is doing. You are responsible for coordinating the Buddy group's own activities and regularly updating and keeping track of the attendance sheet.
What does a Buddy do?
As a Buddy, you play an important role in the international students' overall experience of Sweden, Umeå and Umeå University. You will be one of the first contacts that international students have with Umeå students. As a Buddy, you plan and participate in activities, and support your buddy group.
As a Buddy you have two main roles:
- Answering questions about student life.
You will answer a lot of practical questions about how to buy a bicycle, how to use public transport, where the nearest grocery store is, etc. - Organising and participating in social activities.
Each group leader is responsible for coordinating the group's activities, but as a Buddy, you are involved in planning and organising your Buddy group’s activities.
Who can apply to become a Buddy?
To become a Buddy, you need to be a registered student at Umeå University (this includes the Academy of Fine Arts). Whether you study individual courses, bachelor’s, master’s or a PhD – you are welcome to apply. If you are an international student who has been in Umeå for more than one semester you can choose to join the Buddy Programme as a buddy or an international.
What are the benefits of being a buddy or a group leader?
Besides being a great deal of fun, there are many other benefits to being a Buddy:
- You get to meet new people from other cultures.
You have the chance to make friends for life but you also have the chance to learn invaluable knowledge about other cultures. - New contacts all over the world.
Having contacts abroad can be a help for those who want to study abroad, who want to visit another country or for anyone interested in a career outside of Sweden. - You improve your language skills.
You have a chance to deepen your knowledge in other languages! - You can help other students to feel at home.
Helping other students with your knowledge of the university and student life is truly a good feeling. - If you want to apply for an exchange place, being a Buddy can be a merit.
If you have been an active Buddy or a group leader you will receive a certificate from the International Office.
- Point system:
- Buddy, one semester– 1 point
- Buddy, two semesters – 2 points
- Buddy leader - 2 points.
- Point system:
You can get maximum 2 points in total to use as a merit for your exchange studies application. More information regarding the selection criteria and points system can be found on the page for eligibility and application for exchange studies.
What could “social activities” be?
Each Buddy group decides and arranges their own activities, but here are some examples of common activities:
- Cooking
- Going to the cinema
- Skiing
- Having a fika
When does the Buddy Programme start?
The Buddy Programme starts at the beginning of the semester and lasts throughout the semester. The beginning of the semester may be a bit intense with several activities organised by the International Student Coordinator, but it is then the group's commitment that determines how often you get together.
It is particularly important that you, as a Buddy, can be active in the initial activities as well as throughout the term.
Join the Buddy Programme before the semester starts (19 January 2026).
For spring 2026 the first meetings will be as follows:
- Group leader meeting - 19 January 2026
- Buddy meeting - 20 January 2026
- Buddy Programme opening - To be announced
Sign up to be a Buddy
To become a Buddy for international students, you need to submit an application. In the application, you enter your contact information, what you are studying and past experiences with the Buddy Programme. You can also choose if you are interested in being a group leader or a Buddy.
Sign up as soon as possible so you do not miss out on the fun!
Application to become a buddy Spring 2026
If you want to apply after 19 January, you need to send an email to us.
Contact us
Contact the International Student Coordinator by email for late applications or questions on buddy@umu.se.
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