International Buddy Program: Chanakya student volunteer
This initiative is designed to create a warm and supportive atmosphere for international students and guests at Chanakya University. As a student volunteer, you will be instrumental in helping our international newcomers acclimate to their new environment, ensuring that their experience is both enriching and enjoyable. Below, you’ll find the guidelines to get you started—please note that these may be updated based on specific requirements.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student at Chanakya University.
- A genuine interest in supporting and assisting international students/visitors/guests.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Awareness about university operations, office functions/ locations
- Senior student, who have already completed first semester
Roles and Responsibilities
- Mentorship: Serve as a mentor to assigned international students, offering guidance on both academic and cultural aspects of university life to facilitate their integration.
- Orientation: Assist new students in acclimating to their environment by providing campus tours and introducing them to essential facilities, resources, and support services.
- Support: Be readily available to answer questions and address any concerns international students may have during their transition, fostering a supportive atmosphere.
- Social Activities: Organize and actively participate in social events, cultural exchanges, and outings that promote community building and encourage interaction among students.
- Respectful Dialogue: Avoid political discussions and remain neutral, while being informed about the cultural backgrounds and general awareness of the countries represented by international guests.
- Feedback: Provide valuable insights and constructive feedback to the Global Engagement Office to contribute to the continuous improvement of the program.
Application Process
- Express Interest: Contact the Global Engagement section to express your interest in joining the International Buddy Program, with resume
- Interview/Screening Session: Interactive session with the Global Engagement representative to understand your strength and motivation.
- Training Session: Attend a training/ orientation session organized by the Global Engagement representatives to understand your role and responsibilities better.
- Matching: You will be paired with one or more international students/guests based on common interests or fields of study, and informed about incoming visitor when required.
Commitment
- Volunteers are expected to commit for at least one semester, with the option to continue if desired.
- Regular communication with your assigned students is essential, ideally once a week and even at odd hours (on call), if required by the international students/guests.
- Volunteers don’t need to compromise with their studies or academic engagements
Code of Conduct
- Respect and Inclusivity: Treat all international students with respect, appreciating their diverse backgrounds and experiences with being judgemental
- Confidentiality: Safeguard the confidentiality of any personal information shared by your assigned students.
- Professionalism: Uphold the values of Chanakya University and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with international students and guests.
- Limit Discussions: Avoid political and religious discussions; focus interactions on academic topics.
- Representation: As a volunteer, you represent Chanakya University, and any violation of this code of conduct will be taken seriously.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Gain valuable cross-cultural communication skills.
- Build lasting friendships and connections with international students/guests from diverse backgrounds- both professional and personal
- Enhance your resume by showcasing your involvement in global engagement initiatives.
- Contribute to a welcoming university environment for all students.
Contact Information
For more details or to express your interest in volunteering, please contact the Global Engagement at: ravikant.r@chanakyauniversity.edu.in
By participating in the International Buddy Program, you will not only make a positive impact on the lives of international students or visiting experience of International guests/faculty members but also enrich your own university experience.