Step 1: Volunteer to be a Buddy

Buddy Volunteer Benefits and Commitment

As a Buddy Volunteer*, you may be the very first friend a new international student has at McGill! You play an important role in easing the new student's transition to McGill and to Montreal, and in helping them feel a little less overwhelmed by their new environment. There are many benefits to volunteering, including:

• making new social connections
• learning about another culture (or connecting with someone from your own culture)
• developing intercultural communication skills
• acquiring mentorship experience
• obtaining recognition on your official McGill Co-Curricular record
• building self-esteem, confidence and sense of purpose
• increasing social and relationships skills
• combating depression and making us happier
• counteracts biological effects of stress, anger and anxiety
• feeling part of the community
• making a difference enhances self-efficacy

Additional resources-

The benefits of volunteering - World Vision Canada

The benefits of volunteerism - The New York Times

Value of Volunteering Wheel - Volunteer Canada

By joining the International Buddy Program as a Volunteer, you're committing to:

• A minimum of one academic term (selected by you)
• Emailing your Buddy within 7 days of being matched
• Meeting with your Buddy at least once in person
• Sending a mid-semester check-in message to your Buddy
• Completing your end-of-term report
• Participating in a 1-hour training webinar (see Step #2 above)

* Please note: To be a Buddy Volunteer, you must have been a McGill student for at least one (1) full academic year.