UBP calendar

Umoja Buddy Programme

Prepare for an exciting year ahead in 2025, with a carefully curated series of events: the UBP Launch, the 2nd UBP Training, International Friendship Day, Speed Culturing, Mental Health + Games Day, and the UBP Closing Function. Keep an eye out for further details coming your way soon!

The University of the Free State is an internationally engaged university, producing globally competitive graduates and knowledge. We take a comprehensive internationalisation approach, infusing international and intercultural dimensions into every aspect of the institution. International engagements lead to research collaboration, learning and teaching initiatives, internationalised community engagement through staff and student mobility and well as virtual engagements. Comprehensive internationalisation at the UFS ensures that all UFS students and staff benefit from internationalisation and contribute as global citizens to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Fair, mutually beneficial global engagements result in knowledge co-creation and global recognition for ideas emanating from the UFS.

UBP Launch: 14 March 2025

The launch of the Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) marks the official start of the programme for the year. The aim is to warmly welcome both local and international students to one another, while also introducing them to the staff members of the Office for International Affairs, as well as staff from other relevant departments.

Second UBP training session: 11 April 2025

The UBP prioritises having ambassadors who are well-prepared to fulfil their responsibilities. This second training session is the next step in ensuring that our ambassadors are equipped and confident in carrying out their roles.

International Friendship Day: 30 July 2025

This event is a celebration of friendship, trust, and companionship, and a moment to show appreciation for the people one considers friends. Participants in the programme visit various staff members and students across campus to celebrate the day with them.

Speed culturing: 29 August 2025

In a diverse environment such as a university, it is essential for students to learn about cultures different from their own. This event includes quizzes and interactive conversations designed to broaden students' understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Mental Healty and Games Day: 19 September 2025

The mental wellbeing of our ambassadors is central to the support our office provides. This event takes the form of a workshop where participants are educated about mental health and how to care for and manage their own wellbeing.

UBP Closing function

At the end of a year filled with activities and engagement with students and stakeholders, the programme concludes with a certificate ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our participants.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept

Umoja Buddy Programme

Quick Links