ENHANCE Buddies (Ambassador Programme)

Inspire Others to Join the Journey

Are you passionate about studying abroad and inspiring others to do the same? The ENHANCE Alliance is launching the “ENHANCE Buddies” programme, a peer-to-peer ambassador initiative where students share their mobility stories to encourage others to explore opportunities within the ENHANCE network. As an ENHANCE Buddy, you’ll showcase your experiences on our social media, helping to create a community that values diversity, inclusion, and support. Join us to empower your peers and make a real impact at your university!

The Power of Peer-to-Peer Influence

As an ENHANCE Buddy, you’ll share your personal story of studying abroad to encourage other students to explore mobility opportunities*.

By sharing your authentic experiences, including the challenges and countless benefits of studying abroad, you’ll inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace international education, regardless of the barriers they may face.

*Mobility in this context refers to studying at a partner university within the ENHANCE network, e.g. a semester abroad, a Blended Intensive Programme like a Summer or Winter School, etc.

Who Can Become an ENHANCE Buddy?

We’re looking for students who have participated in mobility programmes, (both short- or long-term offers) within the ENHANCE network. If you’re passionate about sharing your experiences abroad with an online or onsite community, you could be the perfect fit! We particularly encourage students from diverse backgrounds, including those who have received the Erasmus+ Inclusion Top-up, to apply.

Roles and Responsibilities

As an ENHANCE Buddy, you'll take the lead on the ENHANCE Instagram account, sharing your experiences and insights from studying abroad through content like Instagram takeovers, live interviews, blog posts, and Reels. Your content will cover academic life, cultural experiences, and campus activities, inspiring prospective students to explore studying abroad.

You'll also serve as an informal point of contact for students, answering questions about your experiences (though formal consulting is handled by International Offices). Training and support will be provided, helping you develop new skills and connect with the ENHANCE community. Active Buddies may be invited to participate in events and the annual ENHANCE Buddies Meeting.

What's in it for you?

Comprehensive Onboarding
- Online onboarding session covering storytelling, social media management, and intercultural communication.
- Introduction to the ENHANCE Coordination Team for ongoing support.
- Gain valuable experience and earn the ENHANCE Badge.
Ongoing Development
- Regular check-ins and supportive meetings.
- Annual community-building event in ENHANCE cities.
- Opportunities to expand your network, develop skills, and connect with fellow ENHANCE students.
Annual Highlight: ENHANCE Buddies Community Meeting
- Invitation to the annual ENHANCE community event (funded travel and accommodation).
- Two-day event featuring networking, workshops, and personal growth.
- The first meeting took place in Milan (May 2025); the next event will be announced soon.

Programme Timeline

Application period is open. You can apply any time if you fit to the programme.
After the application, you will be informed if you are invited for a short interview.
If you are selected, you get the onboarding session
After the onboarding, you can directly start with your engagement as ENHANCE Buddy.
All active ENHANCE Buddies will be invited to join the annual ENHANCE Community event (on-site), with all ENHANCE Buddies.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re excited about the possibility of becoming an ENHANCE Buddy and making a difference in your peers’ lives, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills, expand your network, and contribute to the empowerment of students facing barriers for studying abroad.

Contact

Melih Özkardes
Work Package Co-Lead „Diversity, Impact and Dissemination“ & Ombudsperson for Diversity
Melih.Oezkardes@zhv.rwth-aachen.de

FAQ

The ENHANCE Buddies programme is a peer-to-peer mobility ambassador initiative where students share their authentic experiences with their peers about studying abroad to promote international mobility within the ENHANCE Alliance.

Any student who has participated in a mobility programme within the ENHANCE Alliance can apply.

As an ENHANCE Buddy, you will share your experiences through social media, primarily Instagram , by posting about your life abroad, academic experiences, and cultural exchanges. You will also be encouraged to participate in events and create content that inspires other students to study abroad.

You are expected to be regularly active over a period of at least six months. The time commitment may vary depending on activities and events, but typically involves regular social media activity, content creation, and responding to your peers’ questions or comments. We welcome the continuation of your engagement beyond six months, and you can remain active as long as you are enrolled in one of the ENHANCE universities.

No, you do not need professional social media experience. What matters is your enthusiasm and wllingness to share your unique story. ENHANCE Buddies will receive support and onboarding on how to effectively share their experiences.

You will receive a comprehensive online onboarding session and ongoing support from the ENHANCE Communications Team and the ENHANCE Diversity Office. Additionally, there will be regular check-ins and opportunities to connect with other ENHANCE Buddies. You will also receive a travel scholarship to attend the annual ENHANCE Buddies Community Meeting hosted in one of the ENHANCE cities.

Yes, you will develop valuable skills in storytelling, social media management, and intercultural communication. You will also receive an ENHANCE Certificate of Engagement (ENHANCE Badge) and have the opportunity to attend an annual community-building event in one of the ENHANCE cities.

The selection process involves submitting an application, followed by an interview if shortlisted. The ENHANCE Communications Team and Diversity Office will review applications and select up to ten students from across the ENHANCE Alliance. We aim to have a team of ENHANCE Buddies representing the diversity of our student community across all ten ENHANCE member universities.

Yes, if your situation allows, you can continue to be an ENHANCE Buddy for up to two years. We welcome this, as continued participation allows you to deepen your involvement and gain more experience in promoting mobility within the ENHANCE Alliance.

You can still apply to become an ENHANCE Buddy. Your experience in other programmes can bring valuable insights to the ENHANCE Buddies community, and you will have the opportunity to expand your network and impact.

Download ENHANCE Buddies Info Leaflet

Download

ENHANCE for Students

ENHANCE offers student learning, mobility, and engagement opportunities across the alliance and beyond. Through ENHANCE, students can enrich their studies with international learning experiences, develop future-oriented skills, and connect with peers across Europe. The alliance supports you in shaping your individual academic journey while promoting inclusion, diversity, and equal access to opportunities beyond your home university.