Abstract
International offices increasingly face the challenge of supporting inbound students while maintaining meaningful human interaction and a welcoming environment during international activities. While information and activities can be planned, meaningful connection between local and inbound students does not always happen automatically.
This poster presents the Buddy Plus initiative under the International Affairs Office at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), a structured peer engagement model developed to encourage interaction between local and inbound students. Rather than serving as general student helpers, Buddy Plus participants take on clearly defined roles as part of the organizing team. Students are encouraged to understand the purpose of each activity, practice respectful interaction, and recognize different personalities, comfort levels, and individual boundaries.
Buddy Plus combines peer learning, cultural exchange, student reflection, and operational support through activities such as orientation support, visa guidance activities, cultural field trips, and informal interaction facilitation. Reflection discussions allow students to share observations, identify communication gaps, and suggest improvements. Peer interaction also provides valuable insight into student experiences that may not always emerge through formal feedback channels.
The initiative demonstrates how structured peer engagement can support inbound student experience while contributing to student development, student voice, and continuous improvement within international office activities.
Learning objectives
- Explore how structured peer engagement can support inbound student wellbeing and interaction
- Share practical approaches to designing student roles with clear purpose, responsibility, and opportunities for development
- Discuss how student-to-student interaction can complement international office operations and provide valuable insight into student experience and student voice
- Reflect on the role of communication awareness, student reflection, and peer-informed feedback in improving activities and services
- Share practical ideas for creating more meaningful and engaging inbound student experiences through continuous improvement
Target audience
Professionals working in international student support, student mobility, student engagement, and international office operations, particularly those interested in leveraging student voice, peer engagement, intercultural learning, and reflective practice to enhance services and student experience.
