International Student Mentorship Program
New students are paired with current students to help adjust to life at Rochester
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Mentoring is an interactive, multidimensional, and mutually beneficial relationship. A new international student is partnered with a current student throughout the new student’s first semester. Both the mentor and the mentee benefit by experiencing personal and professional growth.
Program overview
- Duration: One semester-long program
- Start and end date: The program begins the month before new international students’ arrival and ends after their first semester
- Who are mentees?: All incoming international students are encouraged to participate in the program as mentees, and participation is voluntary.
- Who are mentors?: Mentors are students from different disciplines and academic levels, who have been enrolled in the University for at least one year.
Program goals and benefits
Goals of the program
This mentorship program aims to:
- Form meaningful relationships and social connections between students to reduce social isolation
- Extend international students’ community support network and improve sense of belonging
- Help students adjust and reduce acculturative stress by addressing academic and cultural challenges
- Increase students’ self-efficacy by building confidence
- Improve academic success and retention
Benefits of being a mentee
- Building a sense of belonging
- Better preparing for challenges
- Learning how to use campus resources
- Enhancing personal well-being (physical and mental health)
- Creating meaningful social connections
Benefits of being a mentor
- Cultivating different skills, such as Interpersonal, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
- Better understanding campus resources
Participant requirements
Mentee requirements
- Incoming international undergraduate or graduate student on F-1 or J-1 visa
- Enrolled in degree program within University of Rochester
- Applying before first semester of coursework
Mentor expectations
Requirements
- University of Rochester undergraduate or graduate student
- Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
- Be in good standing within academic program
- Be currently enrolled student with at least one year of prior enrollment in current program
- Be available in Rochester from July-December for position
Preferred qualifications
- Prior experience navigating a new country’s educational system as an immigrant, international student, or study abroad student
time committment
Mentors are expected to complete at least 15 hours in total during the summer and fall semesters, including mandatory training and at least four individual meetings with mentees throughout the fall semester. In addition, mentors can earn extra hours by leading workshops and webinars, and attending events with their mentees.
Frequently asked questions
When would the program start and end?
The program would begin in late July or early August for Fall semester. The program would end in December after the fall semester ends.
How do I sign up to participate?
Complete the application form on our website to participate:
- Mentee application form
- Mentor application form
How will mentors be selected?
Mentors will be selected based on academic standing, availability, and range of academic programs and education levels to provide the best range of mentor selection for incoming international students mentees.
Do I need to be an international student to be a mentor?
No, you do not need to be an international student sponsored by the ISO to apply. Anyone who has experience with studying in another country or being an immigrant would be a good candidate for the position.
Will mentors be paid?
Yes, mentors will be paid for the position through a stipend.
