Technische Universität Graz

Welcome Buddy Programme: Master your studies with peer-to-peer support

New to Graz and new to the Austrian higher education system? The Welcome Buddy Programme supports new international students with peer-to-peer support to ensure a successful start at TU Graz.

Networking activity Welcome Buddy Programme

Objectives

The Welcome Buddy Programme aims to help first-year international students settle in as smoothly as possible. This is in line with TU Graz's strategic aim to provide students with the best possible support throughout their degree programme ('student life cycle'). This is particularly important for international students who are unfamiliar with the Austrian education system, as it enables them to acquire the necessary basic knowledge right from the start, making it easier for them to start their studies. Senior students (buddies) in the same or related degree programmes help them overcome initial academic obstacles. For example, they support new international students with course selection, explain procedures such as exam registration, and introduce them to useful digital tools. This measure aims to overcome potential hurdles early on and promote the long-term academic success of international students. As well as providing practical support relating to everyday student life, the Welcome Buddy Programme intends to encourage networking between international and local Austrian students. This introduces international students to Austrian culture and helps them integrate more easily. At the same time, local students broaden their horizons and benefit from intercultural exchange with their mentees. This networking initiative aims to enhance the well-being of (new international) students. Alongside comprehensive academic support, it contributes to long-term academic success and a thriving international university culture. The achievement of the Welcome Buddy Programme's two key objectives is monitored by means of surveys at the end of the programme. Based on the results, the measures are continuously developed further, as described in the following paragraphs.

Background

International students admitted to degree programmes in Austria arrive with a wide range of previous experience and knowledge. Common terms and practices in the university context, such as "LVs", ECTS credits, communicating with professors, and selecting courses, usually do not cause any major problems for local Master's students. However, international students with diverse educational backgrounds and cultural experiences may find this more challenging. Unlike some countries, where students follow a prescribed curriculum, there is a great deal of flexibility in course selection at TU Graz. While there are many support options at bachelor's level, such as first-year tutorials, these are more limited at master's level. This requires personal responsibility and independence, particularly at Master's level. In order to provide our target group with the best possible support, the Welcome Center launched the Welcome Buddy Programme at the beginning of the winter semester 2023/24. The peer-to-peer support offered by senior TU Graz students (buddies) helps international students to settle in and provides an opportunity to network and exchange ideas with both international and local Austrian students. This covers academic queries that the Welcome Center cannot answer directly. In appreciation of their support, buddies receive 2 ECTS upon completion of all requirements, which they can count towards their curriculum as soft skills. In addition to supporting their buddy group of international students, participation in the kick-off meeting and an Intercultural Awareness Session (ICAS) is mandatory, as is completing a feedback survey. Upon completion, they will be awarded the 2 ECTS credits, highlighting TU Graz's institutional support for the Welcome Buddy Programme.

(Implemented) Activities

The Welcome Buddy Programme begins with an online registration period for mentees (new international students) and buddies (senior students) around three months before the start of the semester. Taking into account the mentees' and buddies' study programmes and cycles (Bachelor's/Master's), buddies are allocated to groups of two buddies and four mentees. This allocation is communicated via email before the start of the semester. Ideally, the matched buddies should be studying the same or a related programme as their mentees, in order to provide targeted, programme-specific academic support. After the start of the semester, the official Kick-Off Event for the Welcome Buddy Programme takes place. During this event, all participants receive an introduction to the programme. The programme then focuses on getting to know each other, both within and between groups. This offers all participants of the Welcome Buddy Programme an informal networking opportunity. Later on, the buddies attend an intercultural awareness session to strengthen their intercultural skills and reive practical support for their role as buddies. This measure ensures the quality of the support provided. A second networking event also takes place during the semester. This event promotes in-depth exchange in an informal setting and provides us, the organisers, with valuable insights into the progress of the Welcome Buddy Programme during the semester and whether additional support is required. A second quality loop is planned at the end of the programme. Both the mentees and the buddies complete a feedback survey. Based on the results, adjustments are made for the following semester to continuously optimise the programme.

Results

During the 2023/24 academic year, a total of 116 students participated in the Welcome Buddy Programme, consisting of 70 mentees and 46 buddies across 23 buddy groups. The following year, participation increased by 36%. A total of 158 students, divided into 28 groups, took part: 106 mentees and 52 buddies. While the Welcome Buddy Programme was primarily used by Master's students in 2023/24, it was welcomed by an increasing number of new international Bachelor's students the following year. This indicates that the programme has achieved an even greater reach among new Master's and Bachelor's students over time. The long-term goal is to provide as many new international students as possible with the support they need at the beginning of their studies, thereby positively impacting their academic success. Feedback questionnaires at the end of the semester showed that all participants were very satisfied with the programme. Most mentees felt that they were in good hands and received helpful support with course registration and selection, internal processes at TU Graz, and social networking. Most mentees (92%) also said that they would like to stay in touch with their buddy. Additionally, many mentees who had previously benefited from the programme signed up as buddies to support newly arrived students and share their experiences. Although buddies only receive ECTS for their commitment once, some have been involved in the programme several times, making it a real success story.

Lessons learned

During the implementation of the Welcome Buddy Programme, a number of challenges were encountered, of which some have already been resolved. One important measure was the introduction of buddy groups. Rather than one-to-one matchings, groups of four mentees and two buddies are now formed. This structure reduces the risk of social mismatches and encourages networking among new students and buddies alike. It also enables support to be provided more efficiently as the number of mentees increases. A recurring challenge is the late registration of mentees, caused by delays in issuing residence permits. Consequently, buddies often only find out several months later whether they have been assigned. In some cases, they are no longer available by this point or have become involved with other organisations, such as the Erasmus Student Network. One solution would be to emphasise even more strongly through our channels that early registration is advantageous, even if you arrive late. This would help us to match mentees as well as possible and ensure they receive support from their peers before they arrive. Another challenge is the commitment and reliability of the students. Improvement measures are required for both buddies and mentees to ensure that the Welcome Buddy Programme maintains its high standards. For instance, the kick-off meeting for the next semester will be compulsory for the first time to familiarise both buddies and mentees with their respective roles and responsibilities. Buddies undertake to provide their mentees with appropriate support and organise at least one face-to-face meeting. Meanwhile, mentees are expected to participate in the offered activities or cancel in good time if they are unable to attend, in order to avoid misunderstandings and frustration.

Internationalisation Award 2025

3. place in category Gelebte internationale Hochschulkultur

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