ISAP is a programme where student ambassadors, or buddies, familiarise international students with the university, the city and Dutch culture. Whereas last year the programme was only open to non-EU students, this year all international bachelor's students were invited to apply. The result was 350 applications by students from 45 nationalities from around the world.  The international students were paired with 70 carefully selected and trained buddies.

These buddies, many of whom foreigners themselves, followed an intercultural awareness course and were extensively briefed by the International Service Desk (ISD). They understand the needs of international students and know who to refer them to if they have questions. 'These questions are extremely diverse,' explains ISD coordinator Luc van de Akker. 'Some students come to us with a stack of opened or unopened letters from Dutch authorities, some with questions about health insurance and others are just unsure and need confirmation. We offer assistance with all of these situations.'