International Buddy Program - Office of International Programs and Services

The International Buddy Program (IBP) aims to build cross-cultural relationships between Mason’s international and domestic students while enjoying a variety of campus events and activities together. It is a great way to help international students feel more familiar with the campus and the Mason community, as well as to help American students explore the many different cultures represented among our international student population. This program is built on a foundation of conversation, cultural exchange, and friendship. We hope you can join us!

Questions? Contact Celine Apenteng at capenten@gmu.edu!

Why Participate?

To build connections and networks among international and domestic students outside the classroom
To know cultures outside your own and be able to share your culture with other students
To explore opportunities and activities beyond your normal “bubble”

For Domestic Students

To help international students feel more comfortable and familiar with the Mason campus, American culture, and introduce them to new activities or share experiences based on mutual interests.

For International Students

To help American students learn more about different cultures and perspectives represented among our international student population, get to know the domestic student population, and introduce them to new activities or share experiences based on mutual interests.

Who Can Participate?

International Students:

Attended an IBP info-session (virtual or in-person)
18 years old or older
Interested in learning more about American culture and perspectives
Interested in helping American students learn about international cultures and perspectives
Willing to commit to meeting buddies at least four times for social activities
Must speak conversational English

Domestic Students:

Attended an IBP info-session (virtual or in-person)
18 years old or older
Interested in learning about other cultures and perspectives
Interested in helping international students learn about American culture and the Mason campus
Willing to commit to meeting buddies at least four times for social activities

Minimum Requirements:

Attend at least 1 event hosted by OIPS/INTO Mason
Communicate/interact with your buddy AT LEAST 4 times throughout the semester. Examples:

Events hosted by Mason offices/departments
Activities with a Registered Student Organization (RSO) you belong to
Hang out and find common interests and activities you all can enjoy (game nights, movie nights, lunch or dinner meetups, coffee meetups, etc)! Note: Inviting your buddy along with your other friends is encouraged!

3. Respond to required programs surveys:

We will send out very brief surveys to check in on your experience in the International Buddy Program and connect with you about any issues -- it is important to us that you respond in a timely manner.

Important Notes:

Applicants should be either enrolled in Undergraduate/Graduate programs or in INTO Mason’s Academic English/Pathways program.
It is extremely important that you have enough time to devote to this program.
The International Buddy Program is not an English tutoring program.
The International Buddy Program does not allow the recruiting, soliciting, and religious conversion of any participants, or otherwise exploiting access to the participants of this program. Participants reported to be engaging in these activities will be immediately removed from the program.
Although we cannot respond to specific requests for buddy connections, we do our best to connect students based on their interests. Please keep in mind that our ability to connect students is dependent on the number and type of applications received, so you may not be connected immediately.