Buddy4YOUrope Project
Every year the University of Padova welcomes over 2000 students who participate in mobility programs.
Their arrival is an exciting time... but also the most delicate, difficult to deal with for those arriving from abroad: a new city, a new academic context, new habits, a different culture and language...
To accompany them in this first step, "Buddy4YOUrope" was born, a project carried out in collaboration with ESN Padova, which gives Unipd students the opportunity to become volunteer "buddies": a "friendly" reference point, present and reliable, in Padova for those in international mobility.
Buddy4YOUrope is a volunteer activity for which there is no financial refund.
Unlike the "Tutor Buddy" syllabus, already active as a Tutorato initiative for years, this project is open to everyone, even to those enrolled in three-year degree courses.
Buddy4YOUrope Testimonials
"No formal obligations imposed by the University, thus allowing us to build spontaneous relationships; have the opportunity to deal with different cultures and practice foreign languages. I would do the experience again and recommend it to friends.";
"I enjoyed getting to know a new person, with whom I found myself perfectly matched in terms of common interests. I would do it again, and I recommend it just to make friends and practice a language.";
"What I liked more was the fact of being able to relive an international context here in Padova, I would absolutely do it again and I would suggest it because I think it is a very enriching experience."
The Buddy4YOUrope project offers a simple but valuable support to international students in mobility in Padova!
There are no rigid tasks! It is only required to establish a friendly contact with those who arrive, help them in their first steps and contribute to their integration into the city and the university community, before and during their stay in Padova.
Becoming a Buddy means:
- living a unique intercultural experience,
- meeting students from all over Europe (and beyond!),
- practicing foreign languages every day,
- developing soft skills for the future,
- building friendships that often last well beyond the end of the semester...
And much more!
It is a simple and concrete way to "internationalize at home", to go beyond one's everyday life, to create lasting bonds. It offers the opportunity to make new international friends, enriching one's linguistic and cultural background, and could open the door to future travel experiences, with the possibility of being hosted in different parts of the world!
Each Buddy's contribution is really important!
Yours too, if you decide to join us!
- a communicative, empathetic, helpful and curious person;
- with some free time, especially in the first weeks of the semester, immediately after the arrival of the "incoming" students;
- a person eager to get involved, to meet new people and share experiences;
- with sufficient knowledge of the English language (no need to be an expert!)
- A person who has been on the move and wants to continue to feel abroad, or who is thinking of leaving and wants to get prepared in the best possible way, or simply who wants to fully experience the international context of Unipd
Yes, that's YOU!
- being enrolled at the University of Padova;
- knowing enough about the University and the city of Padova to orient those who arrive;
- being available for the entire semester;
- living in Padova or being able to get there easily.
Are you leaving or are you already participating in an international mobility? You can become a Buddy too!
Outgoing international mobility students, already selected or about to leave, can also join the Buddy4YOUrope project.
By becoming a Buddy you will be able to make contacts with students from the country where you will carry out your mobility, starting to build an international network even before you leave!
If, on the other hand, you are currently abroad for your mobility, you will be able to keep your international experience alive even after your return, welcoming and supporting students from the country that hosted you, thus prolonging your intercultural enrichment.
- June 9, 2026: Sign-up form opens
- June 30, 2026 (11:59 pm): Sign-up form closes
- July 14, 2026 (12:00 pm): Online kick-off meeting to share practical details for the project
- July 16, 2026: Start of online activities
- Late September: Start of in-person activities
- September 21-27, 2026: Welcome Week, in-person events by ESN and Unipd
- Late September (TBD): In-person event for Buddy4YOUrope and exchange students, in collaboration with ESN
The registration form is located on www.unipd.it/relint (click on: MENU > Buddy4YOUrope Project).
To participate in the activities of the first semester 2026/27 it is possible to register from June 9 to June 30, 2026 (11:59 pm). The matches between buddies and Erasmus students will be made by the mid-July, based on general criteria (e.g. area of study, languages spoken).
ATTENTION! If you are an outgoing international mobility student (even if you have just been selected) you do not have to fill out the application form through Gebes.
Your expression of interest will take place through a dedicated step on Mobility Online, where you can indicate your willingness to participate as a Buddy.
To request information and be updated in real time, you can join the Telegram group: https://t.me/buddy4YOUrope
Support Email Address: erasmus.incoming@unipd.it
Watch the testimonial video
Watch the video presentation of the Project
Projects and Mobility Office - Mobility Unit
International Relations Area
E-mail: erasmus.incoming@unipd.it