The Buddy Program is an initiative of the Studierendenwerk Mainz. It arranges 1:1 contacts between German and international students. About 300 students from more than 50 countries take part every semester and get to know each other as well as new languages and cultures.  

This gives German students the opportunity, even without a semester abroad, to meet fellow students from all over the world, expand their intercultural knowledge and refresh their foreign language skills. International students, on the other hand, have a German friend by their side in Mainz right from the start and can experience the "real" German student life.

During the semester there are regular buddy events where the program participants get to know each other better.  
Many contacts become real friendships, which can last for years and cross national borders.