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Together@HHN

Buddy Programme for international Degree-Seeking Students

Together@HHN makes it easier for international degree-seeking students in their first semester to settle into life in Germany and at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN). The programme starts in April/October for one semester.

Dedicated students from higher years accompany them as Welcome Buddies, providing helpful tips and guidance, and offering a listening ear.

Joint activities and excursions during the semester are part of the buddy programme. They offer a perfect opportunity to build new friendships and promote intercultural encounters between German and international students.

Sounds interesting? Click below to access the application forms.

You can register at any time during the semester. However, to enable us to plan effectively, we would be grateful if you could register by 15 September or 15 March at the latest.

You can register until 30 September (winter semester) or until 31 March (summer semester).

Together@HHN - Support. Connect. Enrich.

The buddy programme makes it easier for international degree-seeking students in their first semester to settle in and promotes cultural and linguistic exchange between students.

Together@HHN enables all participating students to:

  • Make new contacts and build international friendships
  • Get to know other cultures and improve foreign language skills
  • Develop intercultural skills and a deeper understanding of their own cultural perspective

At the same time, the Together@HHN buddy programme strengthens the sense of community and contributes to creating an open and inclusive university.

Welcome Buddy

🌍 Broaden your horizons
Discover fascinating cultures and ways of life from around the world.

🤗 Make a real difference 
It’s truly rewarding to support others and share personal experiences.

📃 Boost your CV 
Develop intercultural and interpersonal skills that are highly valued by employers.

Certificate of participation
Participation in the "Together@HHN" Buddy Program is voluntary and unpaid. As recognition of your commitment, we’re happy to issue you a certificate of participation. To receive it, please send us a photo of you and your Buddy engaged in an activity together, along with the completed feedback form at the end of the semester.

Buddies are committed and culturally open-minded students at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences who are in their second semester or higher.  

A good command of English at B2 level or above is expected.
German language skills may be beneficial, but are not required.

Buddies are reliable points of contact who support international first-semester students with academic and personal matters, helping them settle into university life at HHN.

Typical areas of support include (examples):

✈️ Welcome & Orientation: Meeting students at the airport or train station if needed; helping them navigate the city.

🏦 Administrative Assistance: Support with opening a bank account and registering their residence.

📚 Study Support: Campus tour; help with creating timetables and registering for exams.

🤝 Social Activities: Participation in events organised by the General Students’ Committee (AStA), HHN, the International Students Support (Get Togethers) or other groups; self-organized joint trips, city tours, hikes, coffee klatches  etc..

International Buddy

Together@HHN is primarily aimed at international first-semester students who plan to complete a full bachelor or master degree at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences.

In exceptional cases, international students from higher semesters may also take part – for instance, if they need support with academic progress, settling in, or improving their German language skills.

Welcome Buddies are experienced students at Heilbronn University who support their international peers in integrating into university life. They offer regular guidance and share useful tips on topics such as:

🏛️ Insights into university structures

 
👥 Building connections with fellow students beyong the campus life  


🌍 Offering a helping hand in cultural matters


🧾 Everyday matters – e.g. borrowing books, buying bus tickets, coffee hopping together


🏙️ Exploring must-see attractions or favourite places in the city and region Heilbronn-Franken

Our Matching Process

STEP 1: Fill out the registration form to become a Welcome/International Buddy and tell us something about you
STEP 2: Get matched. We will find the best match for you based on your criteria (e.g. hobbies, languages, interests etc.)
STEP 3: Get in touch with your Buddy and meet us at the kick-off event in early April (more information soon)

Do you have any questions? We are happy to help you 🤝

Further mentoring and buddy programmes at HHN

  • WoMent: An individual career support programme for female students and female Ph.D. students
  • EinstiegING: Amentoring programme for students on technical and scientific degree programmes

Faculty programmes for international exchange students (incomings):

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