Moving to a new country can be exciting but also challenging — new culture, new customs, and new faces. This program bridges that gap by pairing international students with local students, staff, or community members. By joining this initiative, you cna help create a more inclusive campus community while enriching your own global perspective.   

Who can participate
Local students
University staff
Local community residents who wish to support international students

Benefits for international students:

Feel welcomed and supported in a new environment

Improve language skills in a relaxed, social setting

Learn about local traditions, holidays, and daily life

Benefits for hosts and buddies:

Experience another culture firsthand

Share your community and traditions

Develop intercultural communication and leadership skills


skating friends

 

 

 sharing moments

What you can do together
You can choose how often to meet and what to do.
The main idea is to have fun and build meaningful connections.

Some examples:
Sharing a home-cooked meal or exploring local restaurants

Introducing the student to your hobbies and/or everyday activities
(such as gardening, DIY project, mushroom picking, sauna)

Attending sports games or cultural events (concerts, fairs, hikes) together

Visiting local attractions, parks, or museums

Celebrating holidays or festivals from each other’s cultures

Practicing language exchange

Simply grabbing coffee or studying together on campus

Adopt a student for this Christmas!

xmas decorations

Many international students are far from home during the holidays.

Share a meal - Show local life - Make them feel welcome 

Let’s make the holiday season warmer together!

 

Information: exchange@tlu.ee

adopt at xmas