A buddy to guide you through your first weeks

If you sign up for the UM Buddy Programme, you and a group of other new international students get paired with a buddy (a current UM student) during your first weeks in the city. It will help you to adapt to life in Maastricht, and to make new friends during the multiple events within your first month here.

This UM initiative is called ‘UM ISAP / Buddy programme’. ISAP stands for 'International Student Ambassador Programme', but the programme is also known as the UM Buddy Programme.

Your buddy will be there to guide you through the process of adapting to Maastricht, help you settle in and make the switch to a university in the Netherlands easier for you. In addition, the ISAP team organises five social events for your group and your buddy to take part in, giving you the opportunity to meet other new international students and get to discover Maastricht in a fun way.

The ISAP opening event will be held on 31 August and then four more events will follow throughout your first month here. There will also be a second and third block opening up throughout the rest of the academic year. That way you can continue the fun of getting to see Maastricht, all together with the ISAP community. 

If you are interested in joining, you can register now using this form. Deadline is 27 July 2025. Other important information such as registration fee can be found on the ISAP-UM website.

If you want to see what ISAP does, follow their Instagram and also feel free to contact them through there.