Year Eleven International Private Students Buddy Program
The Buddy Program was set up to provide individualised assistance and transition for the International Private Students at Canberra College. Volunteer Buddy students assist the International students in adapting to a new country, culture, and environment. The program has been operating now for twelve months and students have been exchanging experiences, firming international friendships and are busily learning about different cultures.
The program has varying arms. One of these of course is the individual friendship outside of College hours, another is developing English conversation skills. This has occurred on varying Friday lunch times and the Buddies meet in the art room for lunch and chat to each other as well as the teachers who are involved in the Program. Students who actively participate receive an R unit point.
We have also held entertainment Fridays where food is served (very popular). Varying Asian delicacies are consumed with great speed. These often have a theme. One memorable lunch session involved the International Students teaming up with their buddy in a race to collect and learn the words of a Dorothy McKeller poem. It is amazing how many of the Australian students did not know the words to ‘I love sunburnt Country’. A recent lunch also tested the student’s knowledge of English as well as sense of fun.
As the numbers of our International Private Students are increasing more buddies are always needed. If you are willing to learn about another culture and develop a friendship with a young person from another country, please contact Barbara Jackson at the College.
Thank you to the students at Canberra College who are making this a unique, diverse place to go to school and are experiencing more than just classes but other cultures first hand.
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The Canberra College buddy program is a volunteer program where year eleven students will have the opportunity to exchange their cultural experiences and to develop cross-cultural communication skills with the new bridging students. The program is all about exchanging experiences, making international friendships and learning about different cultures. This program is open to all year eleven students of Canberra College.
Why participate in the International Student Buddy Program?
- To add spice and diversity to your group of friends, organisation, or club!
- To become more culturally aware further your knowledge and interest of other countries
- To mentor international students pays off. You will experience first hand your buddy improvement of his/her English language skills. It also gives you the opportunity to learn a little about your buddy’s language.
- To have a friend in another country to visit! Experiencing the way people really live and interact in the country instead of using a tour guide.
- To help make Canberra College a unique, diverse place to go to school and to experience more than just classes but other cultures first hand!
What can I do with my international buddy?
- Meet for lunch in the canteen or meet together once or twice a week for coffee
- Study together. Many of the international students have more work because they must deal with the language barrier as well. Doing work together will help make the transition easier and is always more fun!
- Develop a friendship with them that could potentially last a lifetime
Getting to know and becoming friends with an international student can be exciting, different, but also a little tough at times. The language barrier can hinder communication between you and your buddy at the beginning, but as you work together you will notice the increase in your partner’s vocabulary and willingness to speak.
Therefore, there are some criteria that need to be met, to make sure that you will commit to a relationship and work through any language issues there may be. You may find this process a little frustrating, but very rewarding in the end. Some things to think about are listed below:
- Can you be patient and help the international students work through their difficulties with the English language? This may make getting to know your buddy a little bit more difficult and time consuming.
- Are you willing to spend at least 2 hours a week with your international buddy?
- Are you willing to commit yourself to your buddy for one semester or longer
If so, we are excited about your interest in this program and would like you to fill out an application ( over) and meet with us! You can be assured that this program will provide many opportunities and benefits for both you and your international buddy!
Any questions please see Barbara Jackson in the Arts faculty office.
