Bristol Voices

Are you based in Bristol? Bristol Voices pairs alumni volunteers with international students, helping to welcome and support them as they settle into life at the University, in a new city and culture. The programme offers alumni and students an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing them to deepen their cultural awareness and learn from each other. The programme has previously partnered students from 18 different countries including India, Mexico, China, Germany, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Turkey and the USA. 

Starting life in a new place can be daunting, and alumni can help students make the most of their Bristol experience. Alumni can offer local advice, guidance and encouragement, while the students can share their own culture and experiences with the volunteer. We encourage pairs to meet up in places around the city that encourage this shared learning.

You can read about alumna Claire’s experience on our Alumni Blog.

How does it work?

We will match Bristol-based alumni with students based on the answers you provide in the application form.

We will be hosting an event for all programme participants during the term, and also recommend pairs organise least one additional meet up on their own.

Who can take part?

Bristol Voices is open to all new international postgraduate students based in Bristol. Get top tips on how to make the most of your time at Bristol as well as local advice while practising language skills or getting answers to questions about life in the UK.

We are looking for alumni who can meet with students as they settle into life in Bristol, offering guidance, local recommendations and a friendly chat. This is a social and fun role that offers the opportunity to make new connections from all walks of life. 

If this programme sounds like something you would like to be a part of, but you do not quite meet the programme criteria, please do not be disheartened. There are plenty of other opportunities to connect on our Bristol Connects platform.

Get involved

Applications for Bristol Voices are now closed.  If you would like to put yourself forward for future opportunities please contact Sarah Price.

More information

If you have any questions regarding the programme please contact Sarah Price, Engagement Officer.

Global Bristol Voices

Are you a Bristol alumnus based in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the US? Our new Global Bristol Voices programme pairs alumni volunteers with Bristol students embarking on their year abroad or recent graduates moving to a new country. The aim is to help to welcome students and recent graduates by creating meaningful connections, facilitating cultural exchange and fostering international alumni community.

Alumni can offer local advice, guidance and encouragement, while students can share their own culture and experiences with the volunteer. We encourage pairs to meet up in places that encourage this shared learning.

This is a flexible opportunity with an expected commitment of three emails, phone calls or coffee meetups between July and December 2024.

How does it work?

We will match internationally based alumni with students or recent graduates based on location and the answers you provide in the application form.

We will also be organising welcome events in some locations to provide a casual opportunity for alumni and students to meet.

Who can take part?

Global Bristol Voices is open to all study abroad Bristol students or recent graduates based in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the US.

We are looking for alumni who can meet with students and recent graduates as they settle into life in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the US, offering guidance, local recommendations and a friendly chat. This is a social and fun role that offers the opportunity to make new connections from all walks of life. 

If this programme sounds like something you would like to be a part of, but you do not quite meet the programme criteria, please do not be disheartened. There are plenty of other opportunities to connect on our Bristol Connects platform.

Get involved

To apply, please fill out an application form here.

More information

If you have any questions regarding the programme please contact alumni-volunteers@bristol.ac.uk.

* Please note that we do not expect alumni volunteers to provide professional wellbeing advice. If you are concerned about your own welfare or that of a student find out where to get help on our emergency help pages.