INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
BUDDY TRAINING WORKSHOP
WHY IS THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
BUDDY PROGRAM IMPORTANT?
Believe it or not, you are
contributing to a better
global understanding
between cultures!
 Global understanding is
achieved one relationship at
a time.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS?

Be there as your buddy is
adjusting to life at Longwood
(especially important in the
first two weeks!)


Help them with navigating the
campus, understanding the
academic and social
environment, etc.
Take an active interest in your
buddy. Seek to understand
them and their culture.
Encourage them to ask
questions. Find out what their
interests are, invite them to
activities, and show them you
are someone who cares about
them.
WHAT WILL MY BUDDY BE LIKE?



This is a good question!
International Students at
Longwood come from a wide
variety of ethnic and
cultural backgrounds.
Most likely, they will smart,
motivated and curious about
American culture.
Your buddy will likely have
a different perception about
some aspects of American
culture such as social
relationships, individuality,
and privacy.
WHAT IS CULTURE SHOCK
Culture shock is a
completely normal
process. Adjusting to a
new culture and
environment does not
happen overnight!
 Most people who live
in a foreign country
will experience it.

WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED…
Be patient and seek to understand. Your buddy
may going through the stages of culture shock.
 Talk with your buddy. Tell them what you hope
to provide and what your buddy expects from the
relationship.
 Sometimes one-on-one conversations with your
buddy may seen “awkward,” especially at first.
Find some common interests or…
 Try meeting as a group with another student
from your buddy’s home country there for
comfort.

HOW DO I FOLLOW UP?
I will email you soon to tell you
the name of your buddy and
where they are from.
 Be sure to come to the
International Student Welcome
Reception! This is where you will
meet your buddy for the first
time.
 Make you that you are achieving
the expectations for an
International Student Buddy.
 Email me with any questions
(swansonhr@longwood.edu)

QUESTIONS?????