Buddy Programme
Intercultural Communication in Practice: The University of Ostrava Buddy Programme
Elective course open to students of all faculties of the University of Ostrava
Course description
This course is intended for students who wish to develop their communication skills in a foreign language, primarily English, while also enhancing their intercultural competences.
Intercultural competence is developed through contact and experience with people from different cultural backgrounds. It involves openness, respect for diversity, flexibility, and assertiveness in intercultural interactions – all of which are essential for successful personal and professional communication.
The course is carried out through active participation in the Buddy Programme, which is organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN Ostravská) at the University of Ostrava.
Course content
- Timely registration for the Buddy Programme organised by ESN Ostravská within the announced deadline for the given semester;
- Participation in the training session for new buddies organised by ESN Ostravská;
- Support for incoming international students at the University of Ostrava, including:
- Contact before arrival – establishing communication with the assigned student, answering questions, providing information about arrival, and adding them to the ESN Ostravská communication group;
- Assistance upon arrival – meeting the student at the station, helping with accommodation in dormitories, and accompanying them to faculty coordinators to arrange their Odisea account and ISIC card;
- Ongoing support throughout the student’s stay – answering questions in person or via email, helping to overcome language or cultural barriers, and offering assistance as needed (e.g., interpretation, explaining local situations, etc.).
- Providing feedback on the buddy experience and the organisation of the programme, and sharing insights with ESN Ostravská, the faculty, or the university.
Course guarantor: Mgr. Renáta Tomášková, Dr.
Updated: 27. 11. 2025
