At the University of the Free State (UFS), academics are crucial to your student life, but so is building meaningful friendships and sharing cultures. Adjusting to life in South Africa can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but don't worry – we've got you covered! Enter the Umoja Buddy Programme, designed to help you settle in by pairing you with a local UFS student.Each year, UFS welcomes international students from all over the globe to our three campuses, enrolling in everything from full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to exciting study-abroad opportunities like Erasmus+ and Incoming Exchange.Life in Bloemfontein might not always match your expectations of South Africa, but that's where the Umoja Buddy Programme comes in. We match NEW international students like you with CURRENT UFS students to help make your transition smoother, all while giving you a chance to explore South African culture.With an Umoja Buddy, you'll have a friendly face to hang out with, get campus tips, and settle into university life with ease. It’s also a brilliant way to share your own culture and gain fresh perspectives through a fun and enriching cultural exchange. So, why not join in and broaden your horizons while making lasting connections at UFS?
Who can apply to be a Buddy?
As a new international student at UFS, you qualify to be an International Buddy.
If you are a second-year student at UFS, you are qualified to be an Ambassador. If you wish to be an Ambassador, you will need to read more information regarding requirements and expectations through the official Umoja Buddy Programme section of our website.
How to apply
Interested in being matched with a current student at UFS? Want to learn more about South African culture? Want to share your culture with another student?
If that is you, then you have come to the right place. Join the Umoja Buddy Programme and become part of our intercultural community that celebrates diversity and connection. As an ambassador, you get to be the friend you wish you had to our international students to ensure that their integration into the university is smooth, and you also build meaningful friendships while developing valuable leadership and intercultural skills. If you are interested, CLICK HERE to become a member of our UBP family.
Lekiti Rantsane +27 51 401 2924
The participants are expected to meet at least twice a month. The Office for International Affairs will host events each semester as well as keep you informed of campus events or local that could be fun options for you to attend. Relationships can be further developed through shared meals, community engagement activities, sightseeing and holiday celebrations.
The Umoja Buddy Programme is meant to provide an opportunity to promote meaningful friendship and intercultural exchange at UFS. Any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated from either the Wingman or the Buddy. If any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour is reported, the participant at fault will no longer be permitted to participate in the programme.
Matching is based upon availability, personal interests, age and gender. We will do our best to make sure you are paired with an ambassador who has some common interests with you, but with whom you can also have meaningful cultural interactions.Cultural differences between you and your ambassador are inevitable. Remember to treat these differences with respect. If these kinds of differences are leading to negative interactions with your Wingman and you are uncomfortable continuing in the programme, please contact Bulelwa Moikwatlhai to discuss other options.
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