Facebook Twitter Instagram Envelope Mobile-alt

Global Buddies PROGRAM

The Global Buddies program is an initiative between UGA’s Student Government Association and ISL to promote cross-cultural relationships. The Global Buddies Program pairs international students with a partner student from the U.S. to meet periodically and share cultural perspectives and build long-lasting friendships. It is open to all UGA students, faculty, and staff members.

Join the Global Buddies Program!

Applications for the Spring 2023 Global Buddies program are now closed. Find more information at ifa.uga.edu.

Listen as Hannah Lynch ’21 shares about her experience with the Global Buddies Program during her time at UGA.

Overview of the Global Buddies Program

An initiative between UGA’s Student Government Association and the Department of International Student Life to promote cross-cultural relationships amongst UGA students. The Global Buddies Program pairs international students with a partner student from the U.S. to meet periodically and share cultural perspectives and build long-lasting friendships.

The Global Buddies Program promotes intercultural communication and understanding between international students and U.S. students through the sharing of culture and the development of friendships. Join the fun and make a friend from a different part of the world!

All UGA students are welcome! International students and U.S. students will learn about new cultures and form a new friendship.

Hear from Global Buddies Themselves

Hover over each image for testimonials from Global Buddies program participants and learn about their favorite parts of the experience.

"My global buddy and I talked about how the high school experience in America (graduation, prom, etc.) is so different from the experience in South Korea." -Isha N.
"I got a chance to meet a new friend during the pandemic. My global buddy and I can chat about cultural differences and political issues comfortably." -Chen H.
"Coincidentally, both my buddies are Taiwanese. I've enjoyed learning more about them personally, their culture and language, and seeing Georgia in a new light as we explore it together." -Miranda F.
"Participating in the program has opened my eyes to different perspectives about culture, food, and places. I highly recommend this program for anyone, especially international students." -Victor O.
"I enjoyed learning more about the US and having a friend to explore campus through walks and shared meals together. It was a great experience and one of my favourite memories of freshman year!" - Eniola O.
Previous
Next

Materials for Global Buddies Participants

Global Buddies Virtual Training

This training includes information about the program, dates to remember, and advice for intercultural engagement. It is required for all program participants. 

Video

Global Buddies Program Handbook

Learn more about the program, its goals, and ways to interact with your buddy.

View

Register Activity Form

Each time you spend time with your buddy, please complete this form. This helps us track engagement with the program so that we can improve it in the future.

Register Activity Here

GBP Events Calendar

Click to view Spring’s calendar. 

View

Global Buddies can also use the Activity Board (left) to brainstorm activities to get to know their buddy. Whether meeting in person or virtually, completing four activities in a row (across, up/down, or diagonally) will enter buddies into a prize drawing!