Join the VU Buddy programme

A unique opportunity to kick-start your international journey!

Dear Students,

This August we are welcoming more than 700 new exchange and free-mover students at VU Amsterdam; many of whom are interested in being matched to a local VU buddy.

Being a buddy for a small group of international students is a unique opportunity to kick-start your own international journey and get to know students from your potential future host country if you are thinking about going on an exchange. Through supporting the international students to settle into their new life in Amsterdam, you will develop your own intercultural skills and foreign language skills. And besides that, you will have a lot of fun during the organised buddy events we will be hosting such as a pub quiz, an international potluck, a game night, next to organising excursions in Amsterdam with your own buddy group!

Does this sound like an exciting experience to you? Read more about the Buddy programme and sign up to become a buddy for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester via this online form.

What previous buddies say about the experience

"I had a great time being a buddy. It is nice to welcome people and all the incoming students were so bubbly and excited to be in Amsterdam, it was nice to see. The follow-up hangouts were very chill and people were free to decide if and how often they wanted to join. I would definitely do it again."

- Debora

"The buddy program was a great experience to meet new students from all around the world and broaden your horizons. I had great fun with the students and learnt so much about other cultures as well! :)"

- Aryan Sharma

"The buddy program is truly an amazing program to connect with international students. Plus I was able to help international students with all the questions they have about the VU and student life in the Netherlands. It was very interesting to see the different (food) cultures during the Buddy Picnic. Lastly, I would recommend other VU students to sign up and become a buddy, not only will you have fun during the events, but you will also connect with a lot of different people from around the world. And of course you will meet other students from the VU that you would otherwise never meet."

- anonymous

Questions? Contact us at buddy@vu.nl