Global Buddy Role Description

Role Title

-Global Buddy – International Student Mentor (UK Volunteer)

Key Contact

-International Students Engagement Coordinator, who can be contacted by emailing

Responsible for

-Approximately 4 International Students

Expected time commitment

-Up to 4 hours per week. This is a year-long volunteering role and you will be matched with international students from two cohorts – firstly in August/September and then with new incoming international students in January.

Summary of role

-To volunteer your time to a peer to peer service that supports new incoming international students to enable them to have the best possible experience at the University of Nottingham. Each Global Buddy will be paired with 3 to 4 international students, which you will support through regular direct and indirect contact.You will be the first point of contact for advice and knowledge supporting international students to adapt to life in new country, meet other students and make most of University and Union’s services, social activities and events. There will also be a programme of social events you can attend and share with your international students.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • To provide a point of contact for your international students throughout their first term at the University of Nottingham – this can also include time prior to their arrival (via email).
  • To provide opportunities for your students to socialise and meet others, so in time they develop their own peer support network. This may be accompanying a student to a social event/exercise class to enable them to meet others.
  • To offer support with tasks that increase integration and independence such as showing students where to buy their weekly shop and help with diarising up and coming activities/events.
  • To signpost students towards SU/University services as appropriate, e.g. Student Advice, Student Support, Cripps, Library, School support.
  • To optionally support, promote and actively engage with planning and running of social events.
  • To maintain regular contact and receive support from the International Students Engagement Coordinator.
  • To complete training relevant to the role.

Required Skills

  • Excellent communication and the ability to establish friendly, professional relationships – a “people person”!
  • Friendly, reliable, approachable and dedicated.
  • Empathy towards issues relating to international students.
  • Supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental.

Training and Development

-Global Buddy volunteers will be provided with appropriate training, regular support and further development opportunities:

  • An interactive training session covering all aspects of the Global Buddy role
  • Access and updates on events, news and activities relevant to your international students
  • Any other general support, advice and guidance that might be necessary to your role

Volunteer Benefits

  • An opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.
  • The chance to experience and understand different cultures.
  • Development of employability skills such as; communication, time management, commitment, organisation, interpersonal and cultural awareness.
  • Opportunity to enhance your CV and employability.
  • Flexible role that fits around you.

Application Process

-Submit application form accessible via: (link)

-Attend an informal interview and the training session

Further information

For any further information about the scheme please visit: (link) or contact:

  • Visit us at C Floor Office, Portland Building, University Park