EUPeace Alliance Strengthens International Mobility Through the Buddy System

The second workshop of the European university alliance EUPeace, held at the partner University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB) in the Czech Republic from January 22 to 24, 2025, marked the beginning of the alliance's Buddy System. Alongside the hosts and representatives of the University of Mostar, participants included representatives from the University of Marburg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Pontifical University Comillas, Çukurova University, the University of Limoges, and the University of Sarajevo. Additionally, representatives from the University of Calabria in Italy participated online.

The establishment of the Buddy System within the EUPeace alliance aims to support students and staff involved in exchanges, both before their arrival and during their stay at one of the alliance's partner universities. During the workshop, best practices for setting up this student organization were presented, and discussions focused on ways to improve the quantity, quality, and efficiency of international exchanges.

The workshop, part of Work Package WP 4 Facilitating Mobility, was opened by Ms. Magdalena Rousová, Head of the International Cooperation Office at UWB and a member of the EUPeace Steering Committee representing UWB Pilsen. Members of the student network ESN UWB Pilsen shared their experiences working with international exchange students at UWB, while ESN student representatives from Sarajevo presented their activities online in the second session. Two student representatives from the University of Mostar also followed the online student presentations.

The workshop resulted in concrete steps planned for the upcoming project year, including selecting suitable student leaders for the Buddy System at alliance member universities that have not yet implemented such a program. Additionally, a dedicated web page will be created on the EUPeace alliance platform to facilitate networking for both local and international students.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to explore the UWB University campus and the city of Pilsen.