Adie Montgomery is a Great Buddy

UPEI student coordinates program to make International Students feel more at home

By Kate McKENNA

UPEI student Adie Montgomery understands the importance of having a support system when moved from one’s country. Her empathy, coupled with her urge to make a difference, motivated her to spearhead the UPEI Buddy Program this year.
Started four years ago by an international student, this program has run every semester since. The Buddy Program pairs up an existing UPEI student with an international student in the hopes of helping the international student adjust to their surroundings. The UPEI student acts as a source of information regarding Island culture, local events, and also acts as a means for international students to meet local ones. As coordinator, Montgomery feels strongly about this program, “Of course I am biased as the coordinator, but I truly feel this is a great program to get involved with. There are students from all over the world (over 50 different countries at our university) and it is an amazing opportunity to be introduced to people of diverse cultures. Especially if you plan to travel in the future, this is a way to make friends who you can go visit”
While the program runs for only one semester, most friendships last significantly longer. On top of looking excellent on a resume, Montgomery claims the experience of cross-culture learning is paramount and a lot of fun.
“We want students to have a full Canadian experience, not just one focused around the university.” Montgomery states.
Though student run, this program is funded by the Webster Centre, who forwards the appropriate amount of funding to the student union and the program coordinator.  As program coordinator, Montgomery acts as the liason between the SU and the program itself.
Montgomery adds that student volunteers are necessary to keep such a program running. The Buddy Program is vigourously recruiting, and those interested can visit www.upeisu.com/iscp.asp or stop by the front desk of the SU where there are volunteer forms on hand.