BTU Buddy Programme

Studying abroad brings exciting opportunities - but it can also come with challenges like adapting to a new culture and a range of pre-study administrative steps that can feel daunting when you are new and don’t know anyone yet. The BTU Buddy Programme, coordinated by the International Relations Office, is an integral part of the onboarding process for welcoming international students and helping them settle into life at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. It’s designed to make the transition to student life smoother, more enjoyable, and full of friendly support.

The BTU Buddies provide support with administrative challenges, help bridge language barriers, and foster connections through personal interaction and group activities. From advice on city registration to campus tours and social meetups, the BTU Buddies are here to help international students feel at home from the start.

The BTU Buddy Programme differs from other buddy programs, as you are not assigned to a single individual student. Instead, you become part of a strong community that supports international students together.

Why Join as a Buddy?

Being a Buddy is not just about giving - you gain a lot too!

Your Benefits:

Fun social events & excursions
New friendships across cultures
Professional growth through training and seminars
Enhanced leadership and intercultural communication skills
A participation certificate
…and much more!

Requirements:

Positive attitude and open-mindedness
A bit of your time around semester start
Current BTU Student Status

Get Involved

Whether you're looking to make new friends, gain international experience, or simply help others settle in, the BTU Buddy Programme is for you! As a Buddy, you'll play a key role in shaping an international student's first impression of BTU and Germany.

So come join us-let’s continue to build a supportive, fun, and global student community together!

Testimonial
Natasha Bhaskar Shinde India | M.Sc. Environmental and Resource Management (4th Semester)

Interested in learning more about what BTU Buddies do?

 

Read Natasha Bhaskar Shinde’s story about her experience as a new international student and how joining the Buddy Programme gave her the chance to get involved and contribute to the international student community.

 

,,I always wanted to move abroad for my higher studies. The idea of moving to a new country, having a clean slate, and starting life from scratch sounded super scary—but it was also incredibly exciting. I moved to Germany and to BTU for a better academic future, but also because I knew that life had so much more to offer than my hometown and the city I had moved to for my Bachelor's degree.

However, as the days to my departure approached, I began to feel a strong sense of fear—a fear that almost consumed me. The fear of the unknown, the countless meetings and interviews, and all the paperwork. I enjoyed every bit of the process, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t constantly on edge.

 

I didn’t have an official BTU Buddy, but I did get in touch with a senior who helped me navigate one of the most chaotic procedures:

finding an apartment. He also made the first few weeks in Cottbus less overwhelming and made life in Cottbus feel easy and calm.

 

I’m sure many students currently going through this process are experiencing the same rollercoaster of emotions that I did. The good news is—you don’t have to go through it alone. This is what the BTU Buddy Programme is all about. It’s a group of volunteers, like myself, who have gone through everything that you will soon experience. And we’ll be here to guide you through it all, from one student to another.

 

BTU Buddy volunteers are students from BTU who have offered their time to make your initial days in Cottbus smoother and less confusing.

We’re also available to support you with your doubts and questions even before you land in Germany. For new students joining Cottbus, we’re here to offer guidance and help in any way we can.

 

I also hope that many more students will join us as volunteers, because the BTU Buddy Programme is a platform to connect with both new and current students. It’s a safe space to make new friends, reconnect, and make a positive impact on the lives of students who are just beginning their journey.''