The UCD Alumni Buddy Programme brings together local alumni and incoming international students. Its purpose is to provide friendly support to students during their stay in Dublin, to help them get to know the local community and to take part in a cultural exchange.     

As an Alumni Buddy, your role will be to offer basic orientation to Dublin, from explaining our public transportation system to providing recommendations of safe social outings and places to eat, how to find a doctor, or navigating public services.

We will provide training to help you understand the services available to UCD international students, set expectations and boundaries, and to preempt some of the needs that students might have early on.

We will be facilitating 1-to-1 matching this year and encourage all participants to make a commitment to attending virtual and in-person group events. The time commitment for an alumni buddy is specific to each student and will be agreed upon when you meet face-to-face (maximum 10 hours per month). We encourage you to meet up occasionally and to keep in touch by text or phone. This year we are also introducing interest groups, so if there is a topic you're interested in, please indicate in the form and we will add you to that group.

Also, just to note that our online Alumni Buddy Briefing will also take place on Thursday, 14 September. This will be recorded to assist anyone registering after this date.

You can make a positive impact by helping international students adjust to life in Ireland; making the most of their University experience!