Buddy4YOUrope: become a reference point for Erasmus students in Padua

Every year, the University of Padua welcomes around 2000 Erasmus students. The first days in a new city can be complicated, especially for those arriving from another country, with a different language, culture and university system. To make this moment easier and more welcoming, Buddy4YOUrope was born, a volunteering project realisedin collaboration withESN Paduaand open to all Unipd students, including those on three-year courses.

The idea is simple: to become a reference point for incoming Erasmus students, offering them a friendly contact and helping them to find their way around the city, get to know the university and feel part of the student community. This is not an activity with formal tasks or financial reimbursement, but an opportunity to experience a real cultural exchange, improve one’s English, get to know people from all over Europe and develop skills that are also useful in the working world.

Who can participate? All students enrolled at the University of Padua who are familiar with the city and the university environment, speak some English and are available throughout the semester. You don’t need any special requirements, you just need to be curious, open-minded and have some time on your hands, especially at the time when Erasmus students arrive.

Dates to mark:

• there is timeto register until 15 July 2025(by 23:59);
• on17 July at 12 noonthere will be anonline meeting to start the experience together, and from 29 Julythe first distance activitieswill start;
• In-person meetingswill begininSeptember2025, with a welcome week full of events from 22 to 28 September, and a closing event planned for 1 October (date to be confirmed).

To register, simply go towww.unipd.it/relintand look for theBuddy4YOUrope project in the menu.

To stay up-to-date, you can join the Telegram group (https://t.me/buddy4YOUrope) or write to erasmus.incoming@unipd.it.