HELPS Buddy program

Rund and Kate feel like they are true buddies, not just language buddies. Rund had to move overseas to Jordan during COVID-19 and the buddy program allowed her to stay connected to Aussie life during her PhD at UTS. Kate had to move to Cairns from Sydney due to COVID-19 and this program has been one of the main reasons she's been able to maintain contact with Arabic speakers while not in Sydney. The platform UTS provided allowed Kate and Rund to find a buddy who was a good fit - both are interested in learning and practising each others' languages and also have other things in common, including their engineering-focused PhDs. The platform was perfect for COVID because it enabled virtual meetings. Rund and Kate have been buddies for a year even though they have never been able to meet in person.

I signed up to the UTS Buddy Program as a means to stay social during lockdown. I thought if it was difficult for me, no doubt it would be quite stressful for those who are far away from family & home. Connecting with Nhat, we chat weekly about our studies, lockdown woes and our shared interest in coffee. Last week Nhat sent me a variety of traditional Vietnamese coffee, and I returned the favour, sending him a blend from my local in Petersham. He was surprised at my recommendation to use a percolator, telling me 'it's the same way we drink coffee in my hometown'. 

I really enjoy meeting my buddy weekly, this has been an amazing and fun time we've spent together. We literally talk about everything from soccer (as you can see, we support the Brazilian team) to things related to education and professionalism, besides it helps me to improve my communication in English.

- Thao: "Buddy Program is one of the first and best programs that I have attended so far after joining UTS. This program helps me to take the first step outside of my comfort zone to connect with Charlotte, who is such a lovely, kind, warm-hearted and high achieving student in Health and Science Faculty. Although we are very different in terms of our major, our background and our interests, we get to know each other openly and genuinely. The conversations with Charlotte are so enriching and exciting so that we even spend our Sunday early morning catching up, rather than doing other fun stuff. Therefore, thanks to the creation of the Buddy Program, I now can meet friends whom I otherwise never have met. Finally, the Buddy Program instils in me a new kind of confidence in myself so that I now go on attending various engagement activities in UTS to reach my potentials."                        

- Charlotte: "I signed up to the buddy program in June and within a few weeks matched with my buddy Thao. Thao is Vietnamese and it has been so nice to learn about a different culture. I have enjoyed having someone to talk to during lockdown, and learn about how things work differently in different countries. We both discussed how we aren't big into small talk and instead have talked about all sorts of interesting things. I have also enjoyed hearing about her PHD. We were able to provide each other academic tips too; as Thao had some great software for literature review notes and referencing, and I'm a keen public speaker which is an area Thao is apprehensive about. Overall the meetings have been a great way to spend my Sundays and we didn't even realise it had been more than 6 sessions! We are continuing to meet and hope to have a coffee on campus when restrictions ease further. I have thoroughly enjoyed the program."

- Georgina: "It has been wonderful chatting with Thao about all sorts of things, including being a female professional in the workplace, how my program runs, and she even came along to watch us interviewing. I enjoy catching up with her each week and sharing our lives."                                          

- Thao: "When I joined the Buddy Program in June 2021, I was having one of the most lonely and isolated times in Australia away from my family and loved ones. However, after joining this program, I suddenly had someone to listen to, to talk to and to share our mutual, humane experiences. Gradually, I recognized a total shift in my mindset,  I felt more confident to reach out more and connect with more people.  Georgina's profile captivated me with her wide range of interests and her leadership role at UPASS. As I got to know Georgina more, I was even more captivated by her humour and her kindness towards students.  I really cannot stress enough what an impact the Buddy Program has on creating a perfect environment where we, international students, feel free to connect and reach out to a wider community. I truly wish that the Buddy Program can continue going forward for a long time."

Christina: "Throughout the sessions with my buddy this semester, my favourite aspect is that our conversations were around literally any topic that we wanted to discuss. There were days where we would start the session by checking on our studies, then diving straight into serious issues such as life advice or even sharing our go-to skincare products! The fact that we were from different geographical and cultural backgrounds made it so much easier for us to start thinking like global citizens. It allowed us to put ourselves into the shoes of anyone from the other side of the world and still made us feel like humanity is indeed the best religion. Connecting with people from all around the world was very critical for me, personally, since I could also raise awareness about the current political situation of my country. It also gave me a chance to advocate for others experiencing detrimental mental health issues caused by the lockdown/stay-home protocols, especially studying online. All in all, I find this HELPS buddies program to be a safe platform where you can find like-minded peers and openly talk about everything - from school to your hobbies - while there are also opportunities even to learn a new language!"

Ashley: "I really liked meeting with Philipp each week. At a time when COVID has limited students' ability to interact with the world, the buddy program made the world feel a little smaller and allowed us to get international exposure without even having to leave home! Each week I got an insight into life in Germany and have been able to learn all about the cultural differences that make our countries unique. We have really enjoyed laughing about our shared experiences and chatting about our hobbies and future aspirations. The thing that I have liked the most of all about this program is that I now have a new friend in Germany who I am sure that I can stay connected to in the future."