“I joined the Buddy Program during the third year of my bachelor’s studies in English Language for European Institutions and Economics (translation and interpreting). I have always enjoyed sharing my experiences with other students, and I wanted to do so through this program as well. At our first meeting, we got to know each other and learned everything we needed. During my first year, I had one mentee who taught me a lot about how to respond to various situations. He was a student with specific needs, and together we handled many issues, whether related to the studies themselves, paperwork, or similar matters. We communicated via email. Sometimes, this student’s emails caught me off guard because he wrote to me openly about very personal and sensitive matters regarding his health, as well as his financial and social situation. However, our conversations always went well, and we resolved whatever we could. We continued together in my second year as a Buddy, but unfortunately, the student was later expelled from school. I felt very sorry about it because he had a difficult journey and was already very close to finishing his studies. But we had a nice farewell. It gave me a lot of experience for future communication.
In my second year as a Buddy, I was also put in touch with another female student, with whom I am still in contact today. We text on social media, and I really appreciate that we kept communicating this way even though I was away on an Erasmus+ mobility for the entire academic year. I was also given contact details for another student, but he never replied. This year—my third as a Buddy—I unfortunately haven’t received contact information for a new student yet, but I would love to remain a Buddy until the end of my studies. Currently, I am not planning to pursue a PhD, but if I change my mind, I will let you know, as I value this program highly and consider it very important.
I think it’s wonderful that a program like this exists. Students notice all kinds of things and have experienced them firsthand, so they can give excellent advice to the younger ones without any fear of authority, because as students, we are all in the same boat. Thanks to the Buddy Program, I met great young people who became Buddies, and I also met wonderful students whom I enjoyed growing with at school. It was great to watch them transition from their first uncertain questions to more detailed problems, because they already knew everything else. To the new Buddies, I would like to say that it’s fantastic that you decided to join this program and that you will meet a lot of great people. A Buddy can truly help a student and ease stressful situations. There is no need to worry; help can always be found. We are in this together.”

Marta Kratmullerová

student at Faculty of Arts