Global Noles Buddy Program
The Global Noles program is a student volunteer program designed to support and assist incoming exchange students with their pre-arrival questions and adjustment to life at FSU and serve as a “buddy” to these students. Exchange students from our 45+ international partner institutions are paired with FSU students who volunteer their time to serve as Global Noles. Many of the Global Noles have studied on a Global Exchange, have an interest in participating in an exchange program in the future, or are just genuinely interested in engaging with students from other backgrounds. Global Noles communicate with the new exchange students before they arrive to Tallahassee, support the students after arrival, and organize and participate in social events. Global Noles ensure exchange students become involved in campus life as quickly as possible to find a sense of community so that they make the most of their experience at FSU.
The CGE’s Global Noles program was started in 2015 by the Program Director of FSU’s Global Exchanges, in collaboration with two students who had recently returned from FSU exchange programs. Upon their return, the students relayed their positive experience of participating in buddy programs that were part of their host universities' support system abroad. The CGE wanted to provide a similar network for our incoming exchange students to foster friendship and provide additional support.
Required Qualifications:
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
• Have an enthusiasm for global education and an interest in exchanging different perspectives.
• Have been an FSU student on the main campus for two semesters and be familiar with campus resources and student life.
• Be outgoing and motivated to connect with new people.
• Have an interest in supporting incoming exchange students as they acclimate to life at FSU.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Have participated in a Global Exchange or any other international study abroad program or experience and/or be a current student enrolled in the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) program.
Expectations:
• Plan and participate in campus activities and events with mentees.
• Help their exchange student buddy meet new people and build networks on campus.
• Maintain contact with their buddy throughout the year including summer and winter beaks (via email, text message, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Participate in the Global Noles Program for the entire upcoming academic year, including training in the spring or summer before the upcoming academic year for which you will serve as a Global Nole, available virtually.
Bonus:
• This opportunity may qualify to meet the GCC sustained experience requirement.
• Volunteer to build you leadership skills, become a valuable resource for international exchange students, and create lasting friendships.
How to Apply?
To become a Global Nole, students can apply through the link found here. Afterward, qualified students will be invited to interview with CGE staff. Students will then be notified of the decisions via email. Volunteering in the Global Noles program is a full academic year commitment. Recruitment takes place in the Spring and Summer preceding the Fall of the academic year when volunteering will begin.