Saxion Buddy Box summer programme
12 weeks have past since we started the Saxion Buddy Box project in March and handed out the first Buddy Boxes. Around 250 international students have been linked up with their Saxion Buddy, either a fellow student or an employee of Saxion.
The initial idea behind the Saxion Buddy Box was to link international student with a local who can help with questions and problems, especially during the first few weeks of lockdown. This was highly appreciated by most students. They valued the personal contact they could turn to when going home was not an option due to corona regulations and restrictions.
Previous activities
The Buddy Box team has tried to make the time alone in lockdown more socially and emotionally bearable by offering extra 'contact moments'. The Executive Board surprised the Buddy Box students with an Easter present, in May King’s Day activities took place and some of the Buddy Box students ran the Saxion MaratHOME or participated in ‘Create Tomorrow’. The 'motivation boost' course has been very popular. Some of the international buddies have become almost part of the family of their Saxion buddy.
Summer programme
In the meantime, corona remains a challenge for all of us and for different reasons some students will not be going home during summer. We still like to make this vacation a special one for these students and will organise the Buddy Box summer programme. This programme will focus on making new friendships while having fun (low-key) activities during the months July and August.
Sign up for the first online ‘get to know each other’ on 14 July 20:00 by sending an email to buddybox@saxion.nl. Your fellow student Jorien, together with a group of Saxion employees, will coordinate the summer programme, please see this film.