Buddy4YOUrope Project

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Every year, the University of Padua welcomes almost 2000 students participating in mobility programmes at our university.

Their arrival is an exciting moment... but also the most delicate and difficult to deal with for those coming from abroad: a new city, a new academic environment, new habits, a different culture and language...

Buddy4YOUrope

To accompany exchange students in this first step, “Buddy4YOUrope” was created, a project carried out in collaboration with ESN Padova, which gives Unipd students the opportunity to become volunteer “buddies”: a “friendly”, present, and reliable point of reference in Padua for those on international mobility.

Buddy4YOUrope is a voluntary activity for which no financial compensation is provided.

Unlike the "Tutor Buddy" programme, which is part of the Tutoring initiatives already proposed by our University for several years, this project is open to everyone,   including students enrolled in Bachelor’s degree courses.

 

  What is it all about?

The Buddy4YOUrope project offers simple but valuable support to international students on mobility programmes in Padua!

There are no strict tasks! Buddies should just establish a friendly relationship with new arrivals, help them take their first steps and contribute to their integration into the city and the university community, both before and during their stay in Padua.

  Why should you become a Buddy?

Becoming a Buddy means:

  • enjoying a unique intercultural experience,
  • meeting students from all over Europe (and beyond!),
  • practising foreign languages every day,
  • developing soft skills that will be useful in the future,
  • building friendships that often last well beyond the end of the semester...

And much more!

Being a Buddy means going beyond your everyday life, creating lasting bonds, and having friends all over the world.

It is a simple and concrete way to “internationalise yourself at home”, to go beyond your everyday life, and to create bonds that will last over time. It offers the chance to make new international friendships, boosting your language skills and cultural knowledge. Plus, it could open doors to future travel experiences, with the possibility of being hosted in different parts of the world!

The contribution of each Buddy is truly important! Yours too, if you decide to join us!

  Characteristics of the volunteer Buddy

  • a communicative, empathetic, helpful and curious person;
  • with some free time, especially in the first few weeks of the semester, immediately after the arrival of incoming students;
  • eager to get involved, meet new people and share experiences;
  • with sufficient knowledge of English (it’s not necessary to be an expert!)

Yes, that's YOU!

  Requirements to participate

  • being enrolled at the University of Padua;

  • knowing enough about the University and the city of Padua to help new arrivals find their way around;
  • being available for the entire semester;
  • living in Padua or being able to get there easily.
  • A person who has been on mobility and wants to continue feeling abroad, or who is thinking of leaving and wants to prepare themselves as best as possible, or simply wants to fully experience the international environment of Unipd.

Are you about to start or are you already participating in an international mobility program abroad? You can also become a Buddy!

Outgoing international mobility students, whether already selected or preparing for their mobility period abroad, can also take part in the Buddy4YOUrope Project.

By becoming a Buddy, you will have the chance to connect with students coming from the very country where you will carry out your mobility, starting to build your international network even before leaving! 

If instead you're currently abroad for your mobility period, you can keep your international experience alive even after returning by welcoming and supporting students from the country that hosted you, thus extending your intercultural enrichment.

  Timeline

  • 12 January 2026 (11:59 pm): deadline for registration

  • 30 January 2026 (2 pm): online Kick-off meeting to provide practical info needed to carry out the activity.
  • 6 February 2026: start of online activities
  • end of February 2026: start of face-to-face activities
  • 23-27 February 2026: Welcome Week, in-person events by ESN and Unipd
  • 2-6 March 2026 (exact date to be defined): in-person event for Buddy4YOUrope and incoming students, in cooperation with ESN

  How to do it?

The registration form is available on www.unipd.it/relint (click on: MENU > Progetto Buddy4YOUrope).

To take part in the activities of the Second Semester 25/26 Unipd students can sign up until 12 January 2026 (11:59 pm). Matches between buddies and Erasmus students will be made by the end of January-beginning of February, based on general criteria (e.g. area of study, languages spoken).

IMPORTANT! If you are an outgoing international mobility student (including if you have just been selected for an international mobility), you must not fill in the Gebes application form.
Your expression of interest will be submitted through a dedicated step on Mobility Online, where you will be able to indicate your willingness to participate as a Buddy.

For further information and to receive real-time updates, join the Telegram group: https://t.me/buddy4YOUrope

If you need assistance, email us at erasmus.incoming@unipd.it

Watch the video presentation of the Project

Guarda il video di presentazione del Progetto