Since 2021, Bristol Voices has matched 223 new international students at the University of Bristol with 127 local alumni, who volunteer to be their buddy as they find their feet in our city. In 2024, the program went global, as we matched Bristol students departing for study abroad with alumni in their destination cities in the U.S. and Europe. Through innovative volunteer recruitment and careful matching of students and volunteers, Bristol Voices has delivered an enhanced student experience and inspired a new cohort of volunteers to give time to a key university priority. Two of Bristol’s strategy pillars are to “harness the transformative power of global civic engagement” and to “provide a transformative student experience.” We identified a need for more support for study-abroad students, especially in the context of ambitious plans to grow the university’s Centre for Study Abroad. The project is successful because of two powerful drivers for alumni: love of their university and passion for their home. Our alumni understand the challenge and excitement of relocating, and they provide unique insights into their home city. Alumni are enriched by the experience and reconnect with the University of Bristol.
From the Judges
Matching students traveling abroad with alumni in destination city--great concept to engage both alumni and students along with Judicious use of resources.
