Buddy Program

Applications for the second semester of 2020-2021 are closed.

*In light of recent developments regarding the Covid-19 situation, the Buddy Program will most likely look differently than previous years. We will be following government guidelines, which means that certain events such as the Buddy Meet-up may have to take place online. All participants will be updated via email.*

Every semester ISN Amsterdam has a Buddy Program. In this program we match local students up with international students. It is a wonderful way to connect students from different backgrounds and to encourage a global mindset and an openness towards each other’s cultures. Every year we help over 1000 international students in this program.

If you are a local student click the tab ‘Become a local buddy’ to find more information and the link to the application form. If you are an international or exchange student, click the tab ‘Get a local buddy’ to find more information and the link to the application form.

Feel free to contact our Integration Coordinator Romy at integration@isn-amsterdam.nl for questions and further information. Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Get a Local Buddy Become a Local Buddy

*In light of recent developments regarding the Covid-19 situation, the Buddy Program will most likely look differently than previous years. We will be following government guidelines, which means that certain events such as the Buddy Meetup may have to take place online. All participants will be updated via e-mail.*

Would you like someone to take you to that one cute coffee house, or recommend you the best club in town? Would you like someone who can answer your questions concerning university, housing or buying your (first) bike? Why not get a friend at the same time?! Join our Buddy Program and meet a local student who can show you around Amsterdam!

Our Buddy Program matches approximately five international students to one local student in order to introduce those newly arrived to the Amsterdam student life and the city, and to stimulate intercultural interactions between international and local or Dutch students.

After you sign up, we will match you up with a local student and a few other international students and provide you with their contact information. At the start of the semester in January 2021, ISN Amsterdam will organize a meet-up with all participants of the Buddy Program. We also host two or three Buddy Activities that you and your buddies can join, these will be announced at the start of the semester so you can mark the dates in your planners!

We try to match you up to the best of our abilities, however, it might also happen that there is not necessarily a ‘click’ with your buddy or that they are not responsive. This is one of the reasons why we make buddy groups, that way you will be able to at least meet other international students. However, do let us know if your local buddy does not respond at all. And no worries if your buddies are not as responsive as you would like, you are more than welcome at all of our Buddy Activities, other events and borrels (Dutch for social drinks) where you will definitely be able to meet local students and other international students!

*In light of recent developments regarding the Covid-19 situation, the Buddy Program will most likely look differently than previous years. We will be following government guidelines, which means that certain events such as the Buddy Meetup may have to take place online. All participants will be updated via e-mail.*

Every semester ISN Amsterdam has a Buddy Program. In this program we match local students up with international students. This is a great way to become part of an international environment and generally does not take up that much of your time! As a local student, depending on the amount of sign-ups, you get approximately five international students to take under your wing. Don’t let this number scare you though, from experience we know that the international students are not demanding. So don’t worry about your studies or busy social lives suffering under this commitment!

Most international students who come to study in Amsterdam do not know much about the city except for the typical touristy stereotypes. You could help them buy their (in some cases: very first) bike, share your knowledge on studying at your university and take them to discover the hidden treasures of Amsterdam. What type of buddy you want to be is completely up to you. You could meet up for coffee or drinks, have dinners or go for a stroll around town with your buddies. Who knows, you might get a good friendship out of the experience!

After you sign up, we will match you up with a few international students and provide you with their contact information. At the start of the semester in January 2021, ISN Amsterdam will host a meet-up with all participants of the Buddy Program. We also organize two or three Buddy Activities that you and your buddies can join, these will be announced at the start of the semester so you can mark the dates in your planners!

We try to match you up to the best of our abilities, however, it might also happen that there is not necessarily a ‘click’ or that one of your buddies is not responsive. This is one of the reasons why we give you a group of buddies instead of only one. However, do let us know if one of your buddies does not respond at all. And no worries if your buddies are not as responsive as you would like, you are more than welcome at all of our Buddy Activities, other events and borrels where you will definitely be able to meet other international students!

Please note: you don’t have to be Dutch to become a local buddy!