Many international students may feel intimidated and homesick when first stepping foot onto campus. However, International Illini has hosted the Buddy Program since 1997 that is aimed to help international students become acclimated into the University lifestyle.

The program is an opportunity that is available for international students and returning American students who studied abroad to interact in a social setting.

Julie Reynolds, senior in LAS and president of the International Illini, said the purpose of the program is two-fold: it provides a chance for international students to become more involved within the community and also for University students to continue their study abroad experience.

Reynolds, who studied abroad in France and India, said that the Buddy Program was originally aimed at obtaining membership from University students who have returned from studying abroad, but now membership has become more lenient. Any student who wants an “international lookout” is welcome to participate, Reynolds added.

“Studying abroad is something everyone should do,” Reynolds said.

Currently, there are over 100 individuals participating in the buddy program. Activities for the buddies to partake in include pumpkin picking in the fall, camping, skydiving, “Thirsty Thursdays” at Murphy’s Pub, holiday parties and casual movies or dinners.

Reynolds said a group of Austrian students adopted the event “Thirsty Thursdays,” bringing it to a local pub in Vienna – Austria’s capital – upon returning. They hosted it for American students studying abroad there.

Caitlin Fischer, senior in LAS, was an active buddy during the fall semester. Fischer said that she and her German buddy, Florian Englert, senior in Engineering, were given the freedom to attend various casual events.

“I thought it was fun,” Fischer said. “It allowed those who have studied abroad (to) meet with students who are studying abroad here.”

Fischer studied in Greece one year ago and said the program is a tool for returning American students to keep in touch with students from other countries. Even though Fischer is no longer an active member of the program, she still keeps contact with her former buddy through Facebook and the Internet.

“It’s meant to help everybody,” Fischer said. “I thought it was worthwhile.”

Vincent Miossec, senior in Engineering, is studying abroad at the University for two semesters. Miossec, who is a French native, said he felt a little intimidated and lost, but since arriving here and enrolling in the buddy program he has made friends with many American students and fellow international students.

“I think it’s a great program,” Miossec said. “With a buddy, you have someone there to help you.”

Reynolds said the ratio of American students to international students is two to one.

To encourage more international students to participate, the International Illini will give a presentation and acquire e-mail addresses from those who are interested during the international weekend orientation at the end of August.

“I’m everyone’s buddy,” Reynolds said. “These people aren’t just foreign students, they’re my friends.”