Global Buddies connects Birkbeck alumni with new international students during their first term of study to help them settle in.
International students face additional challenges when coming to live and study in London. The aim of Global Buddies is to welcome students to the Birkbeck community and support their transition to life in the UK.
As a Global Buddy you can make a real difference to a student’s Birkbeck journey by:
Alumni will be matched with an individual or small group of incoming international students. Where possible, we try to match buddies based on interests, course of study, shared languages and meeting preferences.
Before meeting with their student(s), alumni buddies are invited to a briefing to ensure they are fully prepared to participate. They will meet with their student(s) at least once, either face-to-face or virtually, before the first term ends.
Registrations will re-open in summer 2023. If you have any questions about Global Buddies, please contact Julia Chapman on j.chapman@bbk.ac.uk
“Now that I’ve been in the UK for a few years and have a bit of a roadmap for adjusting to a new culture, it is great to have an opportunity like global buddies to share my knowledge! I was assigned two global buddies and it was really wonderful to see my buddies find friends in each other, and for all of us to share our experiences with moving to the UK.”
Global Buddy Volunteer 21/22, Jennifer P
“I was new to London and Birkbeck and as an international student, I really benefitted from being matched with a member of the Birkbeck alumni community and a fellow new student. My alumni buddy shared a range of resources and even now, we stay in touch and send resources and careers links to one another.”
Current student, Taiwo A
“It’s an amazing experience! It’s great to have the opportunity to share your experience and advice to help make the journey of a new student easier.”
Global Buddy Volunteer 21/22 – Christina P
