Build friendships across the world – become a Buddy!

A favourite activity for many international students is the visit to the Moose Farm in Bjurholm.

ImageSimon Giasson

Every semester, Umeå University welcomes hundreds of international students from across the globe. As a buddy, you help them settle into their new life while gaining new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.

Last autumn, 215 buddies got involved and more than 700 international students took part in the programme.

A small effort that makes a big difference

Maja Gregor is coordinator for the Buddy Programme 2026/2027. 

ImageHans Karlsson

The Buddy Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year is coordinated by student coordinator Maja Gregor, who herself moved to Umeå from Croatia.

“As a Buddy, you hold the key to making a long Umeå winter feel warm, inviting and alive for new students just arriving into a new environment.”

Maja believes the role is about much more than simply showing someone around campus.

“By becoming a buddy, you are doing more than just showing someone around campus. You are building a community with no borders.”

A second family in Umeå

The Buddy Programme brings together international students and buddies in small groups that take part in activities, explore Umeå, and get to know each other throughout the semester.

“Our international students come to Umeå for an education, but through the Buddy Programme they find a second family. And our buddies are the heart of it all!”

The programme starts at the beginning of the semester and continues throughout the term. The first weeks are filled with shared activities and events, while the rest of the semester is shaped by each group and how often they choose to meet.

Aïssatou Lala is a former buddy in the Buddy Programme. As a buddy she helped new international students settle in and feeling at home in Umeå.

ImageSam Michaelsson

Why become a buddy?

As a buddy, you will:

• meet people from different cultures and backgrounds
• improve your language and communication skills
• gain international experience without leaving Umeå
• build friendships that can last a lifetime
• receive a certificate from the International Office, which can strengthen future exchange applications and your CV.

“Joining the Buddy Programme means opening your circle, building a community and creating lifelong friends. Be the person that makes Umeå feel like home, be a Buddy”, says Maja.

Sign up today

The Buddy Programme starts on 2 September, and students from all study programmes and courses are welcome to participate.

More information and registration for the Buddy Programme