No one starts alone. Especially in Germany.

We connect incoming international students with buddies in their German city, so you never have to figure it all out alone.

Applications for the 2026 edition are now closed. 

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Where new beginnings meet new connections

The DEGIS Buddy Program connects international students in their first semester in Germany with experienced students already settled here. Newbies are paired with a Veteran in their city who can help them navigate life in a new country, from finding their way around to figuring out everyday questions.

1784+

Buddies matched

129+

German cities

96

countries

Find your place in the Buddy Program

Whether you’re just starting your journey in Germany or you’ve already found your way around, there’s a place for you in the Buddy Program. Choose your role below and discover what you can get out of the experience.

Newbie

New in Germany? We’ve got you!

If you’re an international student starting your first semester in Germany, you’re a Newbie. You’ll be matched with an experienced student who can help you navigate your first weeks and make Germany feel a little more like home.

  • Get support with housing, bureaucracy and everyday life
  • Have someone to turn to during your first weeks
  • Meet new people and become part of a community
  • Build a connection with someone who’s been through it too
Join as a Newbie

Veteran

Ready to help someone find their way?

If you’ve been settled in Germany for at least four months and are ready to share what you’ve learned, you’re a Veteran. You’ll have the chance to support a student while building connections, developing leadership skills and making an impact.

  • Help with housing, bureaucracy and everyday life
  • Build connections beyond your city
  • Gain hands-on leadership experience
  • Receive a 6-hour volunteer certificate
  • Double your certificate to 12 hours by posting about our Buddy Program*

*Post at least three times over the semester about our Buddy Program on your own social media, tag @degisnetwork and use #DEGISBuddy. Extra hours are added only for Veterans who also qualify for the certificate.

Become a Veteran

Here's how it works

August 17

Applications open

Sign up as a Newbie or Veteran

September 20

Applications close

Make sure your application is submitted before registration closes (Sep 20, 23:59 CEST)

September 21 – September 27

Matching

We carefully match Newbies and Veterans based on their answers and location

Throughout the semester

Your Buddy journey begins

Veterans support their matched Newbie throughout the semester, with periodic check-ins from DEGIS

August 17

Applications open

Sign up as a Newbie or Veteran

September 20

Applications close

Make sure your application is submitted before registration closes (Sep 20, 23:59 CEST)

September 21 – September 27

Matching

We carefully match Newbies and Veterans based on their answers and location

Throughout the semester

Your Buddy journey begins

Veterans support their matched Newbie throughout the semester, with periodic check-ins from us

From our community

See how the Buddy Program has made a difference for students across Germany.

“As a volunteer with DEGIS, I have been able to meet talented, cheerful, happy, vibrant internationals who are eager to create an impact in the community. DEGIS has created the platform for students to exchange ideas, worries, and thoughts about issues confronting internationals and providing the best way for international students in Germany.”
MaureenMunich
“DEGIS is a place where you can meet new people who bring different perspectives with them. It's this beautiful place for intercultural growth! I'm having an amazing time being a part of DEGIS and learning many social and career-worthy skills. It has definitely expanded my student experience in Germany!”
ArunimaKassel
“Joining DEGIS is one of the best decisions I have made. Not only I met talented, cheerful folks but polite and friendly folks too. Moving to a new country and yet it feels like I got a friend in every city of Germany. DEGIS did not only help me broaden my network but also helped me improve my leadership skills and most importantly, gave me a chance to communicate with the people from all around the globe.”
JatinHeidelberg
“Working in such an international environment, I have learned to communicate effectively. Although DEGIS members come from different countries, everyone is friendly and willing to cooperate. As a result, my intercultural communication skills have improved significantly.”
NganTübingen

Still have questions?

Check out our most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us at buddy@degis.info and we’ll get back to you.

DEGIS’s flagship and largest initiative, connecting incoming international students with experienced students already living in Germany, for support and real connection from day one.

Because those first weeks in a new country are hard to go through solo. A Veteran who’s already lived it can make things easier, and gets to give back to the same community that once helped them settle in.

Newbies are incoming international students starting their first semester here. Veterans are students who are already settled in (for 4+ months) and have something to share.

No, matching is individual, each pair is connected on its own, not in batches.

Yes, some Veterans support more than one Newbie, each match will still be handled individually.

No, both international and German students can join as Veterans.

Yes. Veterans receive a 6-hour volunteer certificate when they complete the final check-in survey and their Newbie confirms that they were supported. You can double it to 12 hours by posting at least three times over the semester about your Buddy Program journey, tagging @degisnetwork, using #DEGISBuddy and adding your post links in the check-in surveys.

The Buddy Program first launched in the Winter Semester 2020/2021. Since then, it has connected international students starting their journey in Germany with experienced students ready to share their knowledge, support newcomers and build meaningful connections.