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.