LEVEL 2. EXPLORE BEST PRACTICE

Introduction

Language Buddy: Mentoring for Migrant Youth is a transnational AMIF project, addressing the very specific challenge of language learning for migrant and refugee children and young people in Europe. It sets up a scalable buddy system where students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) act as language mentors for young people in schools, particularly in secondary schools, helping them improve their language skills, boost their confidence and feel part of a community. Language Buddy is a pedagogical approach that is based on non-formal and informal learning, on intercultural pedagogy and the use of digital tools and resources.

The Challenge

What social issue does it address?

Migrant and refugee children in the EU face significant language barriers that hinder access to quality, inclusive education. Inadequate support leads to higher absenteeism, lower achievement and increased drop-out risk, disproportionately affecting students who experienced trauma or disrupted schooling prior to arrival in Europe.

Why is it important?

Language is the gateway to educational and social inclusion. Without effective, individualised support, migrant and refugee pupils risk long-term marginalisation, limiting their future opportunities and undermining the EU's commitment to equitable, inclusive education.

How does it contribute to the BRIDGE Challenge?

Language Buddy directly tackles A1 Challenge by scaling up peer mentoring between HEI students and migrant pupils, building sustained, structured relationships that support language acquisition, wellbeing and belonging. Building strong foundations in the language of the hosting country is a basic requirement for migrant pupils' progress throughout the whole educational trajectory and extends beyond their school years to their full integration into the society, their employability and overall economic growth.

How does it work?

Secondary-school pupils with a migrant background are matched with trained HEI-student mentors. After blended training in language pedagogy, intercultural competence and digital tools, mentor-mentee pairs meet regularly over 4–6 months, combining in-person and online sessions, with ongoing feedback from pupils, families and schools feeding into continuous refinement of the model.

What might inspire you?

Ideas for adaptation

1. Turns HEI students into trained mentors for migrant pupils
2. Combines face-to-face and online mentoring for flexibility
3. Embeds critical reflection on power and privilege in mentor training
4. Co-designed with schools, HEIs, families and migrant organisations
5. Draws on 48 best practices reviewed across 8 countries
6. Reduces absenteeism and boosts belonging among migrant pupils

Resources created