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Buddy Program

Interested in becoming a Buddy For Session 1 2012?

If you are a current local or international student at Macquarie University you are encouraged to apply*!

To apply to be a Buddy for Session 1, 2012 click here to complete the online application form

Applications to be a Buddy for Session 1 2012 are now open until December 5 2011.

The Buddy Program is a volunteer program for current students organised by the International Student Services.  

As a Buddy you will help new international students with their transition – from pre-arrival, during orientation and beyond! 

As a Buddy you will be rewarded with:

  • Experience
  • Certificate of participation/work reference
  •  GLP points
  •  Free lunches
  • And much, much more!

Buddies will be involved in various activities throughout orientation week.

  • Tours of campus and surrounding areas
  • Orientation Welcome Hub
  • Welcome lunches
  • Day trips around Sydney, including Manly, Taronga, Darling Harbour etc.
  • Evening social events
  • Campus tours
  • Information booths across campus
  • Special Interest Sessions
  • Q&A sessions

*There are some basic requirements that will need to be met to become a Buddy.

Meet some of our Buddies

Name: Reidar
Degree: PhD in Chiropractic
Country: Norway

First memorable experience in Australia:
Leaving the cold winter back home and being picked up at Sydney airport alongside half a dozen students from different countries, all bunched together in one mini-van with sweltering temperature of 35 degree centigrade outside.

Favourite place to visit:
The gorgeous Sydney Harbour, especially during one of the many festivals occurring throughout the year.

Number one tip for new students:
Come along to as many social events organised by ISS as you can. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends from around the world and across a variety of faculties and fields of study.
 
 
Name: Ashleigh
Degree: Bachelor Business Administration with Bachelor of Arts in European Studies
Country: Australia

First memorable experience in Australia:
I remember feeling really lost actually! I wandered aimlessly for so long on my first day at uni before I eventually asked someone for directions. You can always ask someone for help and they'll be friendly.

Why did you become a Buddy?
For the people. You meet so many students and make lot of friends from such varied backgrounds and cultures.

Number one tip for new students:
Firstly I'd say attend Orientation and other relevant information sessions, but also make the most out of university and your time here. Get involved, be part of a different groups and socialise and you will have an amazing and rewarding time.


 Name: Julian
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Country: Australia

Favourite place to visit:
I strongly believe that great experiences depend more on good company than on the careful choosing of destinations. However a nice evening walk around the Botanical Gardens, St Mary's Cathedral, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Sydney Observatory and after a beer or two at the Rocks would make up a perfect visit to Sydney itself. 

Why did you become a Buddy?
The Buddy program not only allowed me to help people but also to establish new relationships that overtime can truly be followed up. It was also the opportunity to give something back to the university and establish experiences that develop a crucial sense of belonging to the university's student life.

Number one tip for new students:
Going to university is about much more than just getting a degree as the experiences, joys and relationships will strongly shape the way you feel, live and perceive the world for the rest of your life. Make the most of it while you can!


 Name: Lakmi
Degree: Master of Accounting (CPA-Extension)
Country: Sri Lanka

First memorable experience in Australia:
A few days after arriving at the university I was able to visit Featherdale Wildlife Park with my friends, which was memorable. I was able to cuddle Australian native animals such as a Koala and Wallaby. Also I saw a wombat in its burrow. 

Favourite place to visit:
Hunter Valley is a gorgeous place to visit. The wineries in the valley are beautiful and I enjoyed tasting their world famous finest wine. I can not stop revisiting the Hunter Valley.

Why did you become a Buddy?
I always like to help people and especially being a Buddy, I got the greatest opportunity to help new students to get adjusted with their uni life. 


Name: Ashley
Degree: Bachelor of International Studies
Country: Australia

Favourite place to visit:
Balmoral Beach. Grab some brekky, a coffee or some fish and chips and enjoy sitting on the white sand as the water gently laps at your feet.

Why did you become a Buddy?
I wanted to make new friends with people I would not usually meet though my regular classes - both international and local students. 

Number one tip for new students:
Say hello to the person next to you in your lectures and tutes, especially in the first week. Other than that, if someone invites you to hang out or go to a party, say 'yes'! Friends really make uni feel like home.

To apply to be a Buddy for Session 1, 2012 click here to complete the online application form

For more information, contact the International Student Services:

Email: iss@mq.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9850 6320