The
Matie Buddy initiative has undergone a major revamp. As of 2021 the Matie Buddy initiative will be more
formalized and will consist of compulsory and non-compulsory activities.
Compulsory activities include participating in training sessions,
virtual meetings with your international buddy prior to their arrival,
participation in the Welcome and Orientation programme, International
Food Evening, face to face meetings with your international buddy and
lastly completion of several assessments. Non-compulsory activities
include participating in ISOS excursions, voluntary community engagement
activities and facilitating campus tours.
All these activities are designed so that the Matie
Buddy can engage with international students while simultaneously
developing their own intercultural competencies and subsequently
facilitate the process of global learning.
While the Matie Buddy program has been formalized, I
can assure you that it is still a very fun and exciting programme. So, I
encourage you all to sign up. Please note that only 80 buddies will be
selected for next year. Should you wish to apply please see the
application process below.