Your First 100 Days of Onboarding

Student in Software Engineering

Yoo, I am Badr, 22 years old. I come from Morocco. I am a third year Software Engineering student at Saxion. I became a student buddy to help the new students during their first steps at Saxion because I also struggled in the beginning but I found some good people who helped me out. Besides my study, I do kickboxing 🥊 and football, but I always like to try new things. I am always open to questions, you need help? Just ask me :) I will do my best.

Student in International Business

Hey! I am Sal, 22 years old, originally from Iran. I am in my second year of International Business at Saxion. I became a student buddy because I know what it feels like to start fresh in a new country, new people, new systems, and a lot of unknowns. I went through it too, and having someone to ask simple things made a big difference.  

Now I want to be that person for someone else. I am into gym, I love music, and enjoy running time to time, and I am always down to try something new or have a good conversation.  

Need help or just someone to hang out with? Reach out,  I am here to support you and make sure you never feel alone in this journey. 

Student in International Finance and Accounting

Hi, I am Isabella. This fall, I will be a third-year IFA student. I am 22 years old and from the United States. Coming to Saxion was my second time moving countries and starting a new school alone, which is a very overwhelming process. So, I became a student buddy to help others through the same experience the best I can. Outside classes, I enjoy being active, going on walks or bike rides, to the gym, or playing football or badminton in the park with friends. I am also an avid Uno player.  

As a student buddy, I hope that I can ease this transition for new students and give them the tips and tricks to life in Enschede that took me well past December of my first year to learn. My door is always open for any questions you have :). 

Student in Applied Computer Science 

Hi everyone! Safa here. I’m 23, and I’ll basically be your friendly guide through the sometimes-confusing world of Saxion. A while ago, I was exactly where you are now - new country, new system, full of questions even I didn’t know how to ask. I know how overwhelming things can feel at first. Thanks to my own student coaches, I found my way and now it’s my turn to pass it on. Whether that’s answering your questions, sharing tips, or simply being someone you can reach out to.  

If I’m not answering questions, you’ll probably find me in a local cafe, listening to music & dancing around, or planning my next trip (usually while I should be studying). If you have any questions, I’m here for you. 

Student International Business

Hello there! 

I’m Majd, originally from Syria, and I study International Business at Saxion in Enschede. Helping students comes naturally to me, and I believe it’s incredibly important to support new international students, especially when I think back to my own first weeks at Saxion and how much help I needed. Luckily, Saxion was there for me. 

As a member of the Course Degree Committee, I’ve gained deep insight into the curriculum and other academic matters, which allows me to answer your detailed questions about the program. 
Outside of my studies, I’m a conductor for a choir in Enschede, which shows how much I love music! 

As your student buddy, I’ll do my best to help you feel comfortable and at home. Every challenge has a solution. 

Looking forward to meeting you soon! 

Student Tourism Management

"Hi, I’m Sofia! I’m a second-year Tourism Management student originally from Guatemala, a country known for its vibrant colors, rich culture, and warmth. Moving to the Netherlands on my own has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It meant building a new life from scratch, far from my family and language, and adapting to an entirely new culture.

That’s exactly why I wanted to become a student buddy, because I know how overwhelming it can feel to start all over in a foreign country. I want to be there for others the way I would have loved someone to be there for me: to answer your questions, guide you through the small (and big) things, and be someone you can talk to.

I’m passionate about helping people, and I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels seen and supported. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing board games and spending time with friends, as well as discovering cozy cafés. I am very passionate about human rights and love meaningful conversations.

As your student buddy, I’m here to help make your transition to Saxion and life in the Netherlands just a little bit easier and hopefully even a bit fun. My door is always open, and I truly can’t wait to meet you!" 

Student International Human Resource Management

Hey! I’m Diana, I’m from Trinidad and Tobago and currently in my first year of International Human Resource Management at Saxion.

Starting fresh in a new country can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there. Everything felt unfamiliar, and I didn’t always know where to go or who to ask. That’s why inclusion matters so much to me. I want to help new students feel welcome, supported, and never alone.

I enjoy working out, spending time with people I love and being in the sun whenever I can.

Need someone to talk to, ask questions, or explore the city with? Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here for you!

Student International Human Resource Management

Hello, My name is Njinkonye Favour Chisom, but I go by Chi-Chi. I am currently 19 and a second-year IHRM student at Saxion. I became a student buddy because I wanted to help students- both current and new - because I know the feeling of coming to a new place, school,  and for some people a new country, and not having anyone. My hobbies include going to the gym, reading, playing basketball and volleyball, and most recently traveling. I am always happy to help so if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

I became a student buddy to help make students feel less alone. You can see me as that friend who wants you to experience everything within your capability and your comfort zone of course. I'm excited to meet you, can you tell?🤭

Student Tourism Management

Heyy, I'm Sofi. I'm 24 years old and  i'm a second year Tourism Management student at Saxion. I originally come from Ukraine but have lived and studied in Italy for 13 years. After that, I moved to Switzerland on my own for another three years, and finally, I settled in the beautiful Netherlands. 

My diverse background has given me a strong understanding of what it's like to be in a new environment, and I know how important it is to have someone by your side as a guide. 

A little more about me: I love sports, languages, and learning about different cultures.

I can't wait to assist you with any questions you may have. 😊

Student Creative Media and Game Technologies

I am Daniela, I am a 4th year student in Creative Media and Game Technologies, from Romania, aged 23.

A little story, I remember right the night when I got here, after my parents left me alone in my very small room, after cleaning the room a bit and trying to unpack my stuff, I just took a sit on my bed, looked at the window and asked “now what?”. I was overwhelmed by my feelings and really confused as it was the biggest step of my life so far. I didn’t have the support and also no friends at the begging. 

That’s why I became a student buddy, it warms my heart to know I am helping someone and giving them what I didn’t have. 

A lil about me? I am addicted to anything that gives me adrenaline. Snowboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, you name it. 

As a student buddy I want to make the students feel like I am the cool older sister, that can help you with anything and always makes things fun, there is nothing that can’t be solved!

Student Software Engineering (ICT)

Hello everyone!
I'm Kiarash Delavar, I'm 20 years old, and I'm from Iran. I'm a first-year Software Engineering (ICT) student at Saxion University in Deventer.

I came to the Netherlands to study because I really like technology and how computers and software work. Everything was new at first, and it was a bit difficult in the beginning. But little by little, I got used to it and met some nice people who helped me.

That’s why I decided to become a student buddy—to help new students just like others helped me. I know how it feels to be new in a different country, and I want to make your start at Saxion easier and more fun.

In my free time, I like to play video games, chess, and soccer. I also enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends. I always like trying new things and meeting new people.

If you need any help or just want to talk, feel free to come to me. I’m happy to help and I’m looking forward to getting to know you! "