UoA Buddy

1. What is the Buddy Program?

This is a system to support international students so that they can make the most of their time in Japan and their study opportunities at the University of Aizu by providing counseling as a "buddy" when they are having difficulties or worries about their studies, daily life at the university, or lifestyle in Japan.

2. Buddy Role:

(1) Assistance in moving into dormitories and off-campus housing (including apartment inspections and moving in; contracting services are witnessed by staff)
(2) Assistance with living infrastructure (gas, electricity, water) procedures in off-campus housing
(3) Assistance with procedures at city hall such as notification of moving in and opening accounts
(4) Attendance at fall orientation for new students
(5) Assistance with procurement of daily necessities in on- and off-campus housing
(6) Support for participation in international exchange events
(7) Support for Japanese language study and introduction to Japanese culture, etc.
(8) Japanese conversation instruction, consultation for daily life, consultation and support for classes and assignments, support for participation in events, etc.

3. Advantages of Buddies

(a) Through exchange with international students, students will gain an international perspective and the ability to interact with the world in English.
(b) By deepening the exchange of life experiences and cultural knowledge, etc., students can acquire the ability to think from a global perspective and understand different cultures.
(c) Students can develop their problem-finding and problem-solving skills by encountering a variety of problems related to learning and life.
(d) This experience can be used to appeal when selecting students for short-term study abroad and internships abroad.
(e) This experience can be appealing to job seekers and may enable them to take on international assignments.
(f) If you are considering studying abroad yourself, you will benefit from this experience.
(g) The international student you support may become your "friend for life.
(h) Students who become buddies this year will be asked to serve as both Japanese language tutors and buddies. As with the Japanese language tutors, they will be paid a predetermined part-time rate for their tutoring time and assistance with inbound procedures.

4. How to apply

Activity period: Approximately one year from September 28, 2024

Number of applicants: About 6

Who is eligible to apply
(1) Japanese students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University
(2) Students who are capable of cultural exchange and daily life support in Japanese and English
(3) Students who are able to take responsibility for continuing their buddy's work until the end of their appointment.
*Adopted candidates will be required to attend and support Buddy Orientation on Friday, September 27, 2024, New Student Orientation on Monday, September 30, 2024, and Health Screening on October 1, 2024.

Specific Activities
Buddies who are selected for employment will be provided with contact information for the student they are assisting.
We keep in touch with international students even before they arrive in Japan and provide them with information about Japan to help them deepen their understanding of the country beforehand. For students who are not able to live in the Soumei dormitory, we provide assistance in finding off-campus housing, signing a contract (a staff member will be present at the signing of the contract), and opening up infrastructure before and after the student's arrival. We will assist students in opening the infrastructure before and after their arrival, registering as a resident, opening a bank account, and so on.
In addition, the program provides weekly Japanese language study opportunities to support the acquisition of Japanese language skills.

How to apply:
Please submit the prescribed application form along with your transcripts and TOEIC score by e-mail or in person at the Student Affairs Section.
Mailing address: i-sad@u-aizu.ac.jp
Sender Address: Please send from a university address.
Subject: UoA Buddy

Application deadline:
Must arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024

Application Guidelines	English Version
Form 1	English Version PDF
	English Version Word