It is particularly challenging for newcomers in Germany, especially students, young people, and career starters, to find their way through the administrative, bureaucratic, and financial aspects of everyday life. Accompanied by “Horizon buddies” and in themed workshops, newcomers deal with topics such as finances, bureaucracy, self-care and mental health and thus experience greater social participation and self-efficacy.

Our inBuddy Program connects newcomers to people who have lived in the country for a number of years—”buddies”. The program aims to support newcomers in their everyday activities and make moving to Germany and settling in their new city as easy as possible.

What does a buddy do?

The tasks a buddy can perform are highly diverse. A buddy can accompany newcomers, provide them with information and help them practice the German language & learn the German culture to enhance their settling in the city.
The buddy can also assist the newcomer in organizing studies, searching for jobs, opening a bank account, and visiting local authorities. Joint leisure-time activities and sightseeing excursions may also be on the agenda!

Ultimately, a buddy’s tasks vary from case to case. The buddy must determine how to help the newcomer and what activities to undertake with him or her.

Periodically, we organize several meetings that serve as a contact point for all buddies. In the first meeting, all buddies get to know each other personally and can exchange contact details. After exchanging contact details, the buddy couples can organize their meetings independently or come to further buddy meetings. At other arranged meetings, such as game nights and excursions, to which all buddies are always cordially invited, you can get to know new buddies and decide for yourself if and with whom you would like to become buddies.

Furthermore, our inBuddy Program offers all participants a perfect opportunity to build new contacts and friendships, brush up on their language skills, and discover new cultures.

Do you need a buddy/mentor, or would you like to be a buddy/mentor?