FAQ

What is the KTH IBP (International Buddy Programme)?

The KTH International Buddy Programme is an exciting way for KTH alumni to become involved in mentoring and coaching current KTH students in an international arena. The purpose of the programme is to match KTH-students embarking on an exchange programme abroad with local KTH alumni volunteers living and working in that area. For alumni, the programme will provide fresh insights into what life and education at KTH is like today and you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on a student’s international experience. As a student taking part, you will gain a better understanding of what it’s like working in an international setting after graduation and you will benefit from the alum’s experience and advice.

Why should I get involved as a mentor in KTH IBP?

Because sharing your experience and knowledge gained through work and life will be invaluable to the student and rewarding for you. By mentoring a student you help the student to a better, safer and more qualitative exchange semester. You also become a global ambassador for both yourself, your business and KTH.

My job is not particularly ‘cooI’ or exciting, am I still interesting as a mentor?

As long as you are passionate about sharing your knowledge and experience, and helping our students, it doesn’t matter where you work. As you are aware of, a degree from KTH can take you into all sorts of industries and workplaces and they are all interesting in their own unique ways. The programme is also not only about work, it’s equally as much about introducing the student to the local area and customs, making them feel welcome and supported during their stay.

What is expected of me as a mentor (buddy)?

KTH Alumni will let you know when the student will be arriving in your city/area and we would like you to contact the student as early as possible to arrange a meeting. Start off with a coffee on ‘neutral ground’ and try to gauge what your mentee might need to know and how you would like to plan the programme. This meeting is about getting to know each other and getting off to a good start for your programme and for the student’s exchange. We don’t stipulate how often you need to meet after that but for both of you to get the most out of the programme we suggest meeting at least once a month. In addition to meeting for chats you could perhaps arrange for the mentee to ‘shadow’ you during a working day, attend a cultural/traditional event together and if there is a KTH Alumni Chapter or group locally you can invite your mentee along to meet them.

What is expected of me as a mentee (student)?

The most important thing is that you prepare well for your meetings with your mentor and that you have thought through what you would like to get out of the programme. Be respectful of the fact that the mentor is giving of their time and has volunteered to share their experience with you. Both you and your mentor have a responsibility to make sure that the programme becomes successful and mutually beneficial.

I’m not happy with the person I’ve been matched with, can I get another mentor/mentee?

Even with the very best intentions, sometimes things don’t work out. KTH Alumni is committed to making this experience as positive as possible for both parties so it’s important that you raise any concerns with us. We will then try to resolve the issue to everyone’s satisfaction. Should you wish to be teamed up with someone else we will try to accommodate. Please note, however, that this will be subject to mentor and/or mentee availability.

What happens at the end of the exchange term/year?

When the student returns to KTH the mentorship within the International Buddy Programme comes to an end. Both mentor and mentee will at that stage be asked to complete an evaluation of the programme. The mentor and mentee are of course welcome to keep in touch in the future, that would only be positive, but the IBP won’t continue. If the mentor has enjoyed taking part in the programme he/she will be matched with a new mentee.

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Please contact us at alumni@kth.se  if you want to know more about the KTH International Buddy Programme.