The International Buddy Program (IBP) pairs an international student with a domestic student in order to help international students make a smooth transition into American culture and college life, and form friendships that allow domestic students to learn more about their buddy's culture as well.

Involvement in this organization will help develop the Global/Intercultural Fluency NACE Competency: "Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences." Applications are due January 31, 2020 at 11:45pm

Domestic student application:

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/373469

International student application: 

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/367183

More from the IBP President, Katelyn McClure:

We would love to have you be apart of IBP this semester! Through IBP, we help facilitate friendships between international and domestic students in order to help international students make a smooth and easy transition into American culture and college life. Everyone fills out an application and as a team we pair an international student with a domestic student based on their similar interests and availability. The time commitment is about two to three meetings (with your buddy) a month. We encourage our buddies to meet face-face for coffee, lunch, dinner, studying, fun activities, etc. at least twice a month. We also encourage hosts to stay in touch with their buddy via, text, GroupMe, email, etc. just like you would stay in touch with any of your other friends on campus. After the first meeting with your buddy I would recommend becoming friends with them and forming an intentional friendship. This is a great way to help international students form domestic friendships and allow domestic students to learn about the culture of their buddy. We will have a spring formal and other fun event’s throughout the semester for buddies to attend together if they wish. 

Why are International Buddies Important? 

Domestic buddies not only aid the social transition for international students, but also help them experience American culture. Friendships increase students' motivation to become more confident in the English language by providing a natural setting for students to engage in conversation and daily activities. International buddies will also provide a learning experience for domestic students, as they have the unique opportunity to fully experience another country's culture without having to leave their own country.

Attached are the links for the applications: the deadline is January 31, 2020 at 11:45pm. Please make sure to fill out the domestic application if you are a domestic student and the international application if you are an international student! The application is really short and quick. You can also find out even more information about us on our AUInvolve page. 

The one major meeting Buddies are highly encouraged to attend is Buddy Reveal (where you will meet your buddy). This will be Wednesday 2/19/2020 at 5:45pm in the Student Center Ballroom. After submitting your application, check your email periodically for updates and important information regarding the program. 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates: @auburnibp

Have any questions? Feel free to email the IBP president at kem0095@auburn.edu.