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What is a Global Buddy?

Deciding where to study can feel overwhelming. Potential students are choosing a home and a place of study, so the location, campus and people they will work alongside are important factors to consider.

As a Global Buddy, you’ll support potential students from around the world to make a choice that feels right for them.

You’ll represent the University and your course area on the Unibuddy platform and be available to chat with prospective students and applicants. Giving honest answers to their questions about your major, student life or the city of Wichita.

Before beginning you application, please view the important information below.

Global Buddy Program Overview

Based within the Office of International Education, you’ll help create a positive and authentic narrative for the University that sets us apart from our peers, enhancing our reputation as a welcoming and supportive community.

You’ll give potential students a genuine, first-hand insight into life at Wichita State University.

You will need to commit to downloading the WhatsApp-style Unibuddy App and responding to messages promptly, as well as attending occasional training sessions. This will be the equivalent of 5 to 10 service hours per week.

During quieter periods you’ll also get the chance to create engaging digital content such as blogs and vlogs.

Global Buddy Duties
  1. Represent Wichita State University on the Unibuddy platform.
  2. Answer questions from students about study, life and your experience at the university.
  3. Help students find the right information and contact details for particular departments/people at Wichita State University.
  4. Check your account on a daily basis and answer questions in a timely manner.
  5. Keep conversations going and build up a friendly relationship with students by asking questions and being engaging.
  6. Provide a real insight into your university experiences through chats, blogs and videos. Popular topics include: study, exams, assignments, accommodation, clubs and societies, sports, preparing for university, managing your finances, campus life, etc.
  7. Attend required training sessions, meetings and/or New Student Orientation.
Global Buddy Expectations
  1. You must be a current undergraduate Wichita State University student and have attended at least one semester, with a positive and enthusiastic attitude about the University and the major that you are studying.
  2. Be a confident communicator who enjoys producing engaging content about the University.
  3. Be flexible and willing to respond to questions quickly and efficiently.
  4. Be responsible, open and honest in your communications.
  5. Be proactive in your interactions with prospective students – encouraging them to keep the conversation going.
  6. Be a good role model for prospective students.
  7. Adopt a mature and professional approach to conversations – particularly when dealing with difficult or challenging questions.
Scholarship Details

Scholarship Info: $500 scholarship per Fall and Spring Semesters

Evaluations: Renewal of the scholarship is not guaranteed, and Global Buddy’s will be evaluated each semester.

Educational Requirements: All applicants must have a CGPA of 2.7

Department: Office of International Education

Hours: Average of 5 service hours per week, with the option to take on additional hours

Global Buddy Scholarship Application - Spring 2023

(MM/DD/YYYY)
(ex: mxsmith7@shockers.wichita.edu)
Current Degree Level*
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Case Scenarios

Below are examples of questions you may be commonly asked as a Global Buddy for Wichita State. Please select six of these questions to answer. There are eight questions in total. If needed, you can use wichita.edu/international as a reference to help you answer questions.

Remember to keep your answers short, but conversational. Imagine you are answering a WhatsApp message or writing a Tweet. See the question and answer below for an example.

Case Scenario Example

Mohammed is interested in studying engineering. He wants to know how Wichita State can help him succeed academically.

Q: Are there any tutors or study groups on campus for engineering majors?

A: Yes! A lot of professors schedule study sessions before important tests and GEEKS is a tutoring group available to engineering majors. I've found GEEKS very helpful. What engineering major are you interested in?

______________________________________________________

Case Scenario 1

Maria is a prospective student who has questions about classes and also the city of Wichita.


Case Scenario 2

Hiran just graduated from High School and is interested in coming to WSU to study Computer Science. He will be an incoming Freshman.


Case Scenario 3

Hawa is set on becoming a Shocker! She does not know anyone who has been to the United States and has some general questions.


Case Scenario 4

Amina is excited to study at a U.S. school and has some questions about WSU. She has always wanted to see a college basketball game and enjoys video games.