Did you have a fantastic time during your study abroad and wish you had a way to stay connected with Oregon? Then you might be interested in applying for our new OR/BW Buddy Program!

Why be an OR/BW Buddy?

• Being a OR/BW Buddy is a volunteer opportunity which provides you a low-threshold way to to connect with and support new exchange students within the Oregon/Baden-Württemberg State Exchange Program.
• Volunteers receive a certificate for their volunteers hours, as well as all travel, accommodation and excursion expenses paid in association with the onsite orientations including intercultural training described below. Certificate is issued upon request after submission of a short summary of activities as a OR/BW Buddy. 

What does an OR/BW Buddy do?

• Acts as a contact point for new Oregon incoming students in their host cities.
• Supports students with everyday life in their host cities and institutions.
• Shares their own culture and cultural tips for BW.
• Connects Oregon students with local life and resources in their host city.
• Supports students with local bureaucracy and logistics .

Requirements:

• Fill out the application form linked below.
• Participate in a 1-hour information session with the Resident Directors before you begin volunteering, scheduled on an individual basis.
• Attend the onsite orientation in Tübingen, participate in an intercultural training and travel with students to their host city Studierendenwerk for move-in.
  • For Wintersemester 2025-26: August 30th - September 1st, 2025.
  • For Summersemester 2026: March 30th - April 1st, 2026.
  • For Mannheim students only: Orientation takes place in Mannheim on August 4th, 2025.
• Commit to meeting Oregon students appx. 6 hours per month during the semester for which you apply.
• Although it is not required that you are currently studying at one of our BW partner institutions, it is preferred. It is mostly important that you are located in a town/city near one of our BW institutions. 

How to Apply: 

If you are interested in volunteering, please register using this form by the relevant deadline listed above: https://forms.office.com/e/hUPnDU2XvY

Selection: 

Given a successful application, OR/BW Buddies will be selected according to current program needs and exchange student placements.