Buddy programme

he University of  Castilla-La Mancha receives around 1000 foreign students every year. These students come from a range of countries whose cultures and way of life  is very different to ours. The aim of the Cicerone programme is to make a stay in a foreign country easier by means of assigning a Cicerone student, also known as a "buddy student” to the foreign student to help him or her become integrated into social life, both in and outside the university. Before the foreign students arrive, the Offices of International Relations at the UCLM get in touch with them and provide them with all necessary information  about courses, accommodation, formalities.., however, it is very important that they are supported by a UCLM student.

One of the advantages of being a Cicerone student, apart from meeting international students who visit the university, is this activity is considered to be a merit when applying for any international mobility grants. The terms of this quantitative valuation appear in each call.

What  it means to be a Cicerone student

When a foreign student comes to Spain he or she goes through an adaptation process which sometimes becomes complicated. Personal and informal contact with a UCLM student can make this adaptation easier to a  great extent. Being a Cicerone student means helping the exchange student settle in a new and different environment. This is a responsibility but also a chance to get to know another culture and to improve your knowledge of foreign languages. As a Cicerone student we  want you to help our visitors. It is at the beginning of his or her stay when the exchange student needs your help the most.

Bear in mind that international students are in a new environment, among strangers, where a different language is spoken. The first weeks of stays are the most confusing.

Useful information for Cicerone students:

• Help him or her to get to know the campus and city
• Provide practical information about courses, seminars and exams
• Classes timetable.
• The services the university offers its students: wifi connection, buildings such as library, sports facilities, etc.
• University life:how to become a member of the student associations
• Cultural and leisure options in the city

How to participate