By Elisa Marchetti

Starting life in a new country is both exciting and scary, as it comes with challenges that can be hard to overcome alone, particularly when facing language barriers and adjusting to cultural differences. This is the reality faced each year by the dozens of exchange students arriving at National Chengchi University. Coming from all over the world, they are eager to explore Taiwan and start a new chapter of their lives.

To make the beginning of their journey less stressful and more enjoyable, NCCU has decided to create the Buddy Program. This initiative pairs international students with Taiwanese buddies. These local students volunteer to guide newcomers, helping them navigate the city, adapt to Taiwanese customs, and settle into university life. 

The program is more than a practical solution; it’s a cultural exchange. The purpose is to offer international students a bridge to Taiwanese culture and a guide to life in Taipei, giving them a form of support in a moment of transition, when feeling overwhelmed and lonely is very normal. At the same time, the program is also enriching for local students, as it gives them the chance to meet people from around the world, practice language skills, and learn about new cultures. Furthermore, the buddy pairings are thoughtfully matched based on students’ backgrounds, preferences, or shared experiences, such as having studied or planning to study in each other’s countries.

At the heart of the Buddy Program is the student organization NCCU Student Ambassadors, which operates under the Office of International Cooperation (OIC). With a team of 20–25 members, they play a vital role in organizing events and fostering cross-cultural connections. 

Currently, the Buddy Program supports about 190 international students with the help of 130 dedicated local buddies, representing NCCU’s commitment to create an inclusive and welcoming community.

Throughout the semester, the Student Ambassadors host activities ranging from traditional tea ceremonies and campus tours to excursions around Taipei. These events give exchange students the possibility to experience Taiwan’s culture and to form meaningful connections.

For example, to kick off the year on a good note, on September 25, 2024, they organized a Buddy Party that brought together international students and their buddies. The evening began with a shared dinner and continued with games, group challenges, and interactive activities which encouraged everyone to socialize and meet new people. In fact, it was an opportunity not only to deepen friendships between buddy pairs, but also for exchange students to meet other internationals and more local students.

When sharing their opinions on the program, many students seemed satisfied about their experience. For example, A participant at the party stated “I am very happy to have a buddy, I feel like it can be difficult for internationals to make friends with the locals cause they already have their friends and tend to be shy”.

Another student agreed, sharing how their buddy has assisted them  “My buddy was very nice since the beginning, she picked me up when I arrived and helped me to settle in the city, explaining me a lot of things about Taiwan, it was very useful”.

Beside program-organized activities, students are also encouraged to meet and connect on their own terms. For example, with my buddy we have lunch together once a week and we like trying new restaurants. Last year she went on exchange to Italy, and as an Italian, it is very interesting for me to hear about the cultural shocks she experienced in my country, and for her to know how my life in Taipei is going. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity for her to practice her Italian and for me to relax and speak my native language. Here’s a photo of her enjoying some pasta!

Whether you’re an international student starting a new life or a local student eager to share your culture, the Buddy Program offers a unique experience of mutual learning, exploration, and connection.

So, if you are planning on coming to Taiwan but you are scared about integrating the country and culture, do not worry, NCCU has your back! And if you are already in Taiwan, enjoy spending time with local friends and do not miss out on the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan through their knowledge and experiences!