Peer-buddy (SAM-buddy) program basics

The program (called SAM-buddy - Student Adjustment Monitoring - buddy program) integrates traditional and non-traditional technology based support methods for first year students by peer-mentors to provide efficient and flexible care for kick of period of school.

We designed SAM-buddy to work in one-on-one bases as well as in small group format. The technological platform provides a vast library of relevant information along with built in fun elements mentors and mentorees can enjoy as they walk along together in the period of eight weeks.

We put this unique program together to be the least disruptive of the studies, fitting it in with peer-buddies' schedule and academic obligations. During the spring semester we will provide peer-mentors with an in-depth 4 hour orientation training along with supervision and professional daily support during the fall term. We regard peer-mentors as ambassadors of the University, to adequately respond to questions they may receive from their peer-mentorees, and dedicate a little time every week to meet with their buddy in person. We believe personal meetings do foster growth and adjustment more efficiently.

If you are about to start your studies as an international student at UNIVET - read this

Upon receiving a letter of acceptance from the University, international students are welcome to sign up for the program as soon as possible because space is limited. SAM-buddy aims to help to adjust, get wired in the local student life both socially and academically through fun activities and informative meetings with an upper-year student (peer-mentors). It is a free of charge program and service for freshman students. To apply you need to click here to access the site for first year students.

If you are an upper year student considering peer-mentorship - read this

For the period of eight weeks in the fall, or for the period of six-weeks in the spring term, peer-mentors receive weekly tasks (focus questions, helping tools) in order to structure their times with their mentorees. During these personal one-on-one or small group meetings they cover topics closely related to social, psychological and academic adjustments. At times peer-buddies complete fun activates across town in order to get recognitions and gift items while competing with other peer-group formations. Peer-mentors are also asked to provide feedback on the materials the office develops to check whether they respond to real needs, and address important issues. In the programs mentors and mentorees are invited to take part in exclusive social events exclusively designed for them to bring all involved in the peer-buddy program closer together while having fun, fostering personal growth & learning.

What we offer:

- Certificate of Intercultural Competence for our mentors in the fall term
- Certificate of Outstanding Peer-mentoring Support fo our mentors in the spring term
- Excusive team-building fun activities organized by the University
- Social meetings with new people within the program
- Various gift items
- Access to resources so you can build successful peer-relationships
- Helping you develop important transferable skills
- Opportunities to increase your own confidence by helping others
- Orientation trainings online an in person

Join us if you have:

- Completed at least your first academic year
- An "active" student status
- Good communication skills
- Openness/flexibility/patience
- Capacity to take initiatives and ask questions
- the capacity to follow instructions
- Time to meet with mentoree once a week for eight weeks
- Empathy with someone who is totally new to studying in Hungary

Please check out the Q&A section of the website by clicking here