Find a buddy thanks to this app

The buddy project, organised by USOS (University Foundation for Development Cooperation), is an easily accessible way for international Global South students to pair up with someone who knows Antwerp and its university inside out.

The project, which has existed for a couple of years now, has introduced an app. The buddy app enables its users to match with a partner based on their interests thanks to several filters, such as hobbies, campus, language and gender. “The app helps create durable matches, because the participants have more control over who they match with”, explains Mitte Scheldeman from USOS. “If the match doesn’t work out, the student can easily switch buddy or have multiple different buddies. Aside from the app, we’ll continue our monthly meetings.”

Ana Sanchez, (35) from Peru, takes part in the buddy project. She arrived in Antwerp at the end of August to follow the Advanced master of Globalisation and Development. “I received a very warm welcome from USOS, but I wanted to get to know more people to adjust to life in Belgium and in Antwerp. The app is really useful to expand your network with people who share the same interests. I hope to find someone willing to attend debates with me.”

Massiel Jimenez, (29) from Nicaragua, is also enthusiastic about the app. “I want to share my hobbies and interests with other people. I love to travel, go to concerts and exchange ideas about the world. I hope to be able to build my social network through this app. That way it’s easier to get used to the prevailing rules and culture, which are all completely new to me.” The Development Studies student continues, “moreover, it’s not just for fun, but it also comes in handy when I need advice for something study related. I’ve already tried it out once and it seems like a fun and user-friendly app.”