Am I an oldie or a newcomer?

Newcomers are:

• International students (up to 3rd semester)
• exchange students
• Pre-Study Participants
• Guest students at the THM
• Students of the preparatory college
• German course participants
• International interns

Oldies are:

• All Bachelor students (from the 2nd semester)
• All Master's students (from the 1st semester)
• THM employees

How much time do I have to invest in the programme?

How actively you shape your participation in the International Buddy Programme is up to you. We recommend weekly contact with your buddy. Participation in the events is voluntary.

For a certificate of participation, there are certain requirements that you must meet during the semester. For more information see Certificate of participation and Elective modules.

When will I be assigned a buddy?

After you register in the International Buddy Programme, we start looking for a suitable buddy for you. This can take up to three weeks. As soon as we have found a buddy for you, you will receive an e-mail with our contact details. We ask for patience.

Can I form a buddy team on my own?

Yes, you also have the option of looking for a buddy yourself. If you have found a suitable buddy during an event, you are welcome to let us know. We will then register you as an official buddy team.

My buddy hasn't contacted me. What should I do?

If your buddy hasn't gotten back to you three weeks after contacting you, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on! . You will then be assigned a new buddy.

Can I have my participation recognized as a social commitment?

Yes, if you actively participate in the programme you will receive a certificate of participation. You can use this for your semester abroad or your next application to prove your intercultural competence and your commitment to the university.

The requirements for the certificate of participation can be found under Certificate of participation and Elective module.

Can I get ECTS for participating?

In combination with the Elective module "International Buddy Programmes - Intercultural Competence and Encounters" you can get 3 ECTs as part of the International Buddy Programme. No ECTs can be awarded for participation in the programme alone - only in combination with the Elective module.

For more information see Certificate of participation and Elective module.

Are the events chargeable?

The IBP events are free of charge for all participants.

All participants are responsible for their own catering (food and drinks).

How can I register for an event?

Each event has a specific registration period. Participation places for events are limited in some cases. The following applies: "First come, first serve".

Registration for events is via email This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on! . Write us a short message with your name and the title of the event.

How can I unsubscribe from an event?

If you are unable to attend the event, please let us know in good time (at least one day in advance). Write us a message for this: This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on!

Are there rules for the events that I have to observe?

• Commitment and reliability: Register for events in good time. Please let us know in good time if you are unable to appear at short notice, so that we can allocate your place to other interested parties on the waiting list, for example.
• The personal boundaries of all participants must be respected.
• The programme is an intercultural meeting place - discrimination such as racism will not be tolerated.