Buddy Programme
Informace o Buddy programu pro místní studující, kteří se chtěji stát Buddíky najdete zde.
The Buddy Programme connects local and international students (exchange and full degree on Bc., Mgr., and PhD. study programmes) at Charles University, helping them build friendships, share experiences, and create a welcoming international community.
For local students: Become a Buddy
A buddy is a volunteer who supports an international student during their first weeks and months at Charles University. Buddies help international students orient themselves in their new environment, navigate practical matters outside of academic life at the beginning of their stay, and discover what Czechia has to offer.
As a buddy, you will have a unique opportunity to meet students from around the world, improve your language and intercultural communication skills, and gain valuable international experience without leaving home. It is an excellent opportunity to make new friends, prepare for your own Erasmus stay, or continue enjoying an international environment after your return.
For international students: Connect with a Buddy
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also challenging. Through the Buddy Programme, you can connect with a local student who can help you settle into your new life life at Charles University and in Czechia. Your buddy can assist you with orientation, answer practical questions, and introduce you to local culture, student life, and everyday customs.
Having a buddy is a great way to make friends, feel more confident in your new surroundings, and start your international experience with local support.
Please remember that buddies are student volunteers who offer their time and support alongside their own studies and personal commitments. We encourage all participants to be respectful of their availability and agree on expectations together.
How to join the Buddy Programme
Registration starts through the Charles University app.
You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Registration for Buddies
1. Register as a Buddy
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Choose the Buddy role in the Buddy Programme module.
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Buddies must be local Charles University students who have completed at least their first year of studies.
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Complete your profile with a short bio, interests, and preferred contact details (e-mail and/or social media).
2. Complete the Buddy training
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Before connecting with international students, complete the online Buddy Course available in Moodle.
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The course will introduce you to the Buddy Programme, your role as a Buddy, and useful tips for supporting international students.
3. Browse student profiles
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After completing the training, you can browse the database of international students looking for a Buddy.
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For privacy reasons, students' full name and contact details become visible once a connection is confirmed.
4. Send a connection request
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Browse student profiles and send connection requests to students you would like to support.
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You can have a maximum of 3 active requests at a time.
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Students have 7 days to accept or decline a request.
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If no action is taken, the request will expire after 30 days, and the slot will become available again.
5. Start communicating
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If the student accepts your request, you will gain access to each other's contact details and can begin communicating directly using the preferred channel (social media/e-mail).
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As a Buddy, please make sure to connect first.
6. Support your student
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Help your student settle in at Charles University and in Czechia by sharing information, answering questions, and helping them navigate their new environment.
7. Apply for a certificate
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Buddies who receive at least three positive reviews from their students may apply for a Buddy Certificate.
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Applications for the certificate are submitted through Moodle.
Registration for Students
1. Register as a Student
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Choose the Student role in the Buddy Programme module.
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Complete your profile with a short bio, interests, preferred gender of a Buddy (if relevant) and preferred contact details (e-mail and/or social media).
2. Wait for a connection request
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Your profile is now visible to registered Buddies.
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To protect your privacy, your full name and contact details become visible once a connection is confirmed from your side.
3. Accept or decline the request
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You have 7 days to decide whether to accept or decline a request from a Buddy.
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If there is no reaction from you, the request expires in 30 days.
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You can only have one active connection with a Buddy at the same time.
4. Get connected
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Once you accept the request, both of you will be able to see each other's contact details and continue the conversation on your preferred platform.
5. Review your Buddy
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By the end of the semester, you will be invited to leave feedback about your Buddy.
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Your review helps us improve the programme and recognize outstanding Buddies for their support.
Where can I find further information and contacts?
If you have a question regarding the approval of your profile, connecting with a student, or any other faculty-related issue, please contact your Faculty coordinator.
For questions other than that please contact
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Aldana Vlasáková -
How do international students rate the Buddy programme?
"She was so helpful, kind and funny! She gave me her bike; she showed me very cool places in Prague that otherwise I would not have seen. Perfect Buddy!"
- Marisol, Germany
"I'm happy to say that my buddy contributed greatly to my positive Erasmus experience. Not only he helped get around the university but he also showed me some cool places and gave me great tips, as well as being always super helpful when I had any doubt."
- Maria, Portugal
"He is genuinely one of the coolest people to hang out with, very knowledgeable but also laid back. He was also extremely helpful when I was settling in, and he was very good at keeping in touch all the way through my exchange period."
- Rudis, Latvia