A cab instead of a welcome committee, a quarantine in the dormitory instead of a campus tour: When around 200 young people from all over the world arrive in the coming weeks and months to begin their studies at the University of Hohenheim, many things will initially run somewhat differently. But one thing has not changed: The student group ISO wants to be there for the newcomers - and spend an unforgettable time together with them. Further support for the buddy team is very welcome. Also wanted: Donations of dishes for newly founded shared dormitory apartments.
Making international friends, polishing up languages, getting to know other cultures - there are many reasons to join the Buddy Program. But in times of Covid-19, all this is no longer necessarily a matter of course.
In the summer semester, most foreign students have cancelled or broken off their planned stay at the University of Hohenheim. Those who came anyway had to do without many of the usual offers - and, like the rest of the university, had to struggle through an improvised semester.
Even in the winter semester there is still no sign of normality. Nevertheless, the Office of International Affairs is doing everything it can these days to enable around 200 international applicants to realize their dream of studying at the University of Hohenheim once again.
Welcome program in special times
Even in normal times, the buddies of the ISO group have an important role to play in helping the newcomers get started. A warm welcome is now perhaps more important than ever. However, there are limitations:
"Normally, we receive the Internationals at the airport, accompany them to the dormitory, and later show them around the campus," explained Saskia Lemberg from the Buddy Organization Team, who is studying for her Management Master's degree at Hohenheim. "This time, however, most of them will first take a Covid-19 test at the airport. This means: Until the result is known, they have to avoid all contact."
Instead of a welcome committee, a care package awaits the newcomers in their dormitory after the cab ride, so that they can temporarily quarantine themselves there.
"Of course, the internationals should not feel cut off from the world in the first few hours either. Until we get to know each other live and catch up on the welcome program, we want to keep in touch virtually. We are also helping the Office of International Affairs to set up a 'Mensa ordering service' for them," reported Saskia.
Looking for dish donations
There are still numerous details in connection with the quarantine that need to be organized, stated Mirjam Becher from the Office of International Affairs:
"For example, many students have problems getting a visa. We therefore often don't know when exactly and whether they will actually come. Due to quarantine, the international students in the dormitories will not be accepted into existing groups but will be able to form new shared flats. Unfortunately, the starter kits of the Studierendenwerk do not include pots, plates, cups, and cutlery sets. We would therefore be very grateful for donations of dishes! It is important that the dishes are not broken and are delivered in a clean condition. We will then take care of the disinfection according to the hygiene regulations." (contact: mirjam.becher@ua.uni-hohenheim.de)
Support for the Buddy Team
Since the supervision is expected to be a bit more intensive this semester, ideally 3-4 Hohenheim buddies each should take 5 international students under their wings instead of the previous ratio of 2:5. ISO would therefore be very happy to welcome new members to the buddy team.
"As usual, we also take care to match Buddies who want to practice a certain language with the corresponding nationalities. Unfortunately, however, this does not always work," said Saskia.
She doesn't worry about the fact that with all the Covid-19 restrictions, the fun could be missing out:
"Much of it mainly concerns the first few days, when help with paperwork etc. is also a priority. Afterwards, the relaxed and cool time begins - and the Buddies are flexible about which ISO activities they participate in or not. A lot of things take place outside and can be organized in smaller groups in a Covid-19-friendly way. We're looking forward to exploring the surroundings together with the international students and taking smaller trips, e.g. to Hohenneufen Castle, the Swabian Alb, or beautiful viewpoints in Stuttgart!"
