Buddy Program

ESN Amsterdam organises a buddy program every semester for all new incoming international/exchange students.

Details of the program

Imagine coming to a new city and not knowing any familiar faces, the language or culture. To make this experience easy-going, fun and exciting, we have the Buddy program, where we pair up students who have lived in Amsterdam for a while with international students. They can share their experiences and knowledge in order to help you with an easy transition, be it student friendly grocery shops, eateries or housing related guidance. Participating in our program is a wonderful way to connect with students, meet new people, gain insights about the city or different cultures.

In this program, a group of international students are paired up with one local student. Thus, after you sign up, you will be provided with the contact details of your local buddy and group members. You can reach out to your fellow buddies for questions about living in Amsterdam and plan social events! At the beginning of the semester, we will organize a meet-up with all participants of the Buddy Program and along with that, we will also host two or three activities/events for you and your buddies, like bowling or sports. The matches are created 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. However, you can always contact us if your local buddy does not respond at all.

If you have any other questions, please send an email to integration@esn-amsterdam.nl

Become a local buddy

Get a local buddy

Any Dutch local student or international student who has lived in Amsterdam for a while is welcome to become a local buddy! The aim of this program is to help international students easily transit and integrate into their new lives in Amsterdam. Most international students who come to study in Amsterdam do not know much about the city except for the typical tourist stereotypes.

As a local buddy, you could help international students buy their very first bike, share your knowledge regarding university life or 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! So if this sounds interesting to you then don’t forget to sign up.

Welcome, are you an incoming student, who’s looking for someone to answer your questions concerning university, housing or buying your (first) bike? Or would you like someone to take you to that one cute coffee house, or recommend you the best club in town? Join our Buddy Program and meet a local student who can show you around Amsterdam!