Buddy Program
The buddy program connects the incoming UPCES students with Czech “buddies,” their local friends who will help them get used to a new environment and culture.
For many students, this is the first time not only in Europe but abroad in general, which, while exciting, can also be a stressful and jarring experience. The buddy program offers a great opportunity to meet new friends and discover Prague, the Czech Republic, and Czech culture more naturally. At the same time, a Czech buddy will have a chance to practice English with a native speaker and learn more about life and culture in the USA.
For Czech Buddies
Why apply to a buddy program?
- An amazing opportunity to meet and make new friends from the other side of the world
- A unique chance to practice English with a native speaker of your age and learn more about their life in the USA
- Participating in various student activities and, if possible, joining the student trips as well. (Most of the costs related to student activities and trips are covered by UPCES)
- A great addition to your CV :)
Who can be a buddy?
We are happy to welcome:
- Any Czech undergraduate or master’s students between the ages of 18 - 25
- High school students or recent graduates (must be older than 18)
- Language school students
- Young working professionals
What are the expectations:
! Please note being a buddy is a voluntary opportunity (not a part-time job). You will NOT receive any pay for your time spent with the students!
Czech buddies are expected to participate in at least 1-2 student activities with a time commitment of a few hours during the second week of orientation. For the Fall semester 2023, the second week of orientation is scheduled on Monday - Thursday, 18- 21 September. A detailed itinerary will be provided at the beginning of September.
Your buddy relationship throughout the remainder of the semester is up to you. It depends on your communication with one another and on what you and your buddy agree on. There is no prescribed limit on how many times you should meet and no written rules on what you should do together.
Czech buddies are also welcome to join student activities and trips organized by UPCES throughout the semester (depending on the capacity). Most of the costs of these activities are covered by UPCES.
Registration
If you are interested in the UPCES Buddy Program, fill out the application form, which includes a short survey. Provided answers will help us match you with your counterpart based on similar interests and preferences.
After filling out the application form, you will be contacted by the UPCES staff with more information. The UPCES staff will also regularly update you before and during the semester.
You should be matched with your UPCES buddy at least one week before they arrive in Prague. There is also a chance that you could be matched with more than one buddy, depending on the number of students who sign up.
You can apply anytime throughout the year. For the Fall semester of 2023, please apply before the end of August.
APPLY HERE
FAQ
When will the students arrive in Prague, and how long will they stay?
UPCES students usually attend a one-semester program. The winter semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in the middle of December. Spring semester begins in early February and finishes in the third week of May. In total, the students spend about four months in the Czech Republic.
Do I have to be from Prague to be a buddy?
You do not have to be a Prague native to be a buddy. However, you should reside in Prague throughout the semester.
Do I have to pick up my buddy at the airport?
You will NOT pick up your buddy at the airport after their arrival. This will be done by the UPCES staff only. Please, do not set up any plans in this regard. You can meet with your buddy once they are settled in their apartment.
four months in the Czech Republic.
Do I have to help my buddy to obtain their student card and traveling ticket?
You will NOT be responsible for any administrative or organizational tasks related to your buddy's arrival. This will be done by the UPCES staff ONLY.
What should I do with my buddy?
How you and your buddy spend time is up to you and what you agree on. You can show them hidden gems in Prague, take them to your favorite coffee place, share your top study spot, or venture outside Prague. Are you both into rock climbing? Head out to Czech Switzerland! If you are not from Prague, you can show them your hometown. You can also help them practice Czech! There is no right or wrong.
What level of English proficiency is required?
As a buddy, you will be actively communicating with native speakers of English. You do not have to have native-level English skills or language certificates to become a buddy. However, we recommend having at least a B2 English level and above.
For UPCES Students
Why apply to a buddy program?
- A great opportunity to meet people and make friends outside your cohort
- Get to know Prague, the Czech Republic, and Czech culture from local peers
- Your buddy may introduce you to a specific local community (sports club, religious community, LGBTQIA+, etc.), giving you even more opportunities to meet people outside the classroom.
- There is no better way to practice your Czech skills than with a local buddy!
Who will be my Czech buddy?
Your buddy will either be a student or a young working professional between 18 - 25 years old. We will match you and your buddy according to the answers in your application form, which will help us to connect you with a Czech buddy with similar interests and preferences.
What should I expect?
You will be matched with your Czech buddy at least a week before your arrival.
Your Czech buddy is expected to participate in student activities during the second week of orientation. Additionally, Czech buddies are welcome to join student activities and trips organized by UPCES throughout the semester (depending on the capacity).
Your buddy relationship throughout the remainder of the semester is up to you. It depends on your communication with one another and on what you and your buddy agree on. There is no prescribed limit on how many times you should meet and no written rules on what you should do together.
Registration
If you are interested in the UPCES Buddy Program, fill out an application form, which includes a short survey. Provided answers will help us match you with your counterpart based on similar interests and preferences.
For Fall semester 2023, the deadline for application is Aug 25, 2023
After filling out the application form, you will be contacted by the UPCES staff with more information. You should be matched with your buddy at least one week before you arrive in Prague.
FAQ
Is my buddy going to pick me up at the airport?
Your Czech buddy will NOT pick you up at the airport. This will be done by the UPCES team ONLY. Please do not set up any plans in this regard. You can meet with your buddy once you are settled in your apartment.
Will my buddy speak English?
Yes, your buddy will speak English at the intermediate to advanced level. In some cases, Czech students are eager to become buddies as a way to practice their English.
