Moving across the world for college is exciting, but it can also be challenging. As an Owl Pal participant, you’ll be paired with a local buddy who can help you navigate daily life, share helpful advice, and get the most out of your new campus and city.
Whether you're new to SEPTA or the Tokyo Metro, campus dining or ramen etiquette, your Owl Pal will be your first friend and go-to guide throughout your experience.
Inbound Owl Pals
Local Student Volunteers
Becoming an Owl Pal is a great way to make international friends, build intercultural skills, and help someone feel at home.
As a volunteer, you'll be matched with an exchange student and encouraged to connect regularly throughout the semester. International experience isn’t required, just a friendly attitude and a willingness to share your campus, culture, and community.
What You Can Expect
- A personalized buddy match based on shared interests, availability, and preferences
- Flexible, low-commitment meetups - coffee, campus events, exploring the city, or just chatting
- A unique opportunity to connect with and contribute to Temple’s global community
For Tokyo Owl Pals
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ).
- Have applied to the Fly to Philly program for the upcoming term, or have participated in Fly to Philly in a prior term.
For Philadelphia Owl Pals
- Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Temple University in Philadelphia.
- Be a current study abroad student at TUJ who will return to Main Campus in the upcoming term.
For All Owl Pals
- Commit to active participation throughout the duration of the program (regular check-ins with your Pal)
- Demonstrate interest in cross-cultural exchange and a willingness to support international students in adjusting to life on campus.
Role & Expectations
As an Owl Pal, you are expected to:
- Actively participate in Owl Pal program activities and events throughout the semester.
- Provide peer support to exchange students, helping them navigate daily life in Japan or the U.S. (e.g., transportation, shopping, student life, and general cultural adjustment).
- Foster cultural and language exchange by sharing your own culture and language and supporting your buddy in language exchange as appropriate.
- Communicate regularly with your assigned buddy and maintain a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive attitude.
- Serve as a cultural ambassador, encouraging mutual understanding and building friendships between international and domestic students.
Application Timeline
Applicants can expect to be matched and receive an email with their Owl Pal’s information a few weeks after the application deadline. Once matched, students are encouraged to reach out directly to introduce themselves and start connecting!
Please note: Participation in the Owl Pal program is strictly voluntary and is an unpaid position. For questions related to administrative matters such as health insurance, housing, or pension requirements (if applicable), students should contact the appropriate department on campus.
Ready to join? Sign up below and take the first step toward a new friendship.
DEADLINES:
Fall Semester: September 22
Spring Semester: January 30