Exchange Buddies
Exchange Buddies is a program designed to pair upper-year Arts and Science students at Queen’s with International Exchange Students to achieve our goal of integrating Exchange Students into life in the Queen’s and the Kingston community. Our mandate is to ensure that visiting students will have a connected, safe, and exciting experience at Queen’s!
Due to COVID-19 and the implementation of distanced learning, ASUS Exchange Buddies will shift their focus to a more informative and promotional role during the 2020-2021 year. This will involve:
Partnering with the Queen’s International Programs Office and the Queen’s University International Centre to carry out virtual exchange events and answer questions or concerns associated with outgoing and incoming exchange students.
Targeting prospective exchange students to inform them about exchange program requirements, the application process, possible language barriers, credit transfers, visas, etc. This will be done through various social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook), open Zoom calls, emails, and monthly newsletters (sent via email).
Creating an online community for returning/previous exchange students where they can share their exchange experiences and their travels abroad. This will be carried out specifically through Zoom socials. Our goal is to foster an environment that will support students coping with the abrupt cancellation of their exchange.