Our story
We were the new kid once, too.
Best Buddy UP! started in 2019 with a simple observation: exchange students land in Lima with a full class schedule and almost no way to meet Peruvians outside of it. So a handful of university students started organizing informal hangouts — nothing official, just dinners and weekend trips.
Seven years later we’re a full student organization, dozens of active buddies, and events running most weeks of the semester — but the goal hasn’t moved an inch: get an exchange student and a Peruvian student in the same room, and let the friendship happen on its own.
What we stand for
Four things we don't compromise on.
Warm, not staged
We introduce people the way you'd introduce a friend — no icebreaker gimmicks, just real hangouts.
Peru, first-hand
From street food to Sunday futbol, we hand exchange students the version of Peru locals actually live.
Every buddy shows up
Small groups, consistent faces. Friendships need repetition, not a one-off welcome party.
Open to everyone
Any nationality, any university, any budget — there's an event here for you.
Community voices
What buddies and exchange students say.
“I landed in Lima knowing nobody. Three weeks later I had a Peruvian family away from home.”
Lena Hoffmann
Exchange student, Germany
“Being a buddy taught me more about my own country than four years of university did.”
Rodrigo Peña
Buddy, Lima
“The Cusco trip alone was worth joining for. But the friendships were the real prize.”
Amara Okafor
Exchange student, Nigeria
“Every event felt like hanging out with friends, not attending a program. That's rare.”
Julien Marchand
Exchange student, France
“I've made lifelong friends from four continents without leaving Lima.”
Ana Ferreira
Buddy, Lima