What is the International Mentor Program?
Using an intercultural leadership development approach, this program seeks to provide a welcoming environment and supportive foundation to assist degree-seeking international students in a successful personal and academic transition into their first year at Augsburg.
How does the International Mentor Program Work?
The intention behind this program is to support incoming international students while they navigate their lives as a college student at Augsburg as well as their experience living in the US. The mentors themselves are international students who have experienced the journey firsthand
when they first arrived as international degree-seeking students. That positive experience has encouraged them to continue the program, and serve as mentors for future students.
Here are some areas of support mentors provide their mentees (not an exhaustive list):
- Provide resources available on campus
- Share experiences on how to successfully live independently in the United States
- Support mentees academically, in career, and in personal development.
Through regular communication, participation in meetings, events, and shared group experiences, the mentors and mentees are both encouraged to grow and develop their true sense of leadership and vocation.
Mentors For the Year 2023 – 2024
| Chiara Jirillo Mellace
Italy New Media |
Bat-Erdene Gan-Erdene
Mongolia Psychology |
| Adora Yen
Malaysia Elementary Education |
Samuel Vyletelka
Slovakia Business Administration |
| Betelehem Zerihun
Ethiopia Computer Science |
Elisa Pagan
Italy International Relations |
| Khandakar Saad
Bangladesh Computer Science |
Jakob Mohrlok
Germany Business Administration |
| Caroline Schon
Germany Theatre Arts |
Liya Woldearegay
Ethiopia Computer Science |
| Limakatso Ramokoena
South Africa Bio-Psychology |
Apply For Mentor Program
Applicants must apply and be selected yearly and are eligible to serve a maximum of two years (mentors for the third year will be considered but will be expected to take on additional leadership roles). For each academic year, a limited number of Mentor Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to those selected as mentors. At the beginning of each semester, a $750 International Mentor Scholarship credit will be added to a mentor’s financial aid. Failure to meet the mentor obligations or adhere to professional conduct in one’s capacity as a mentor will result in the immediate termination of the International Mentor Scholarship.
Applicants to become mentors must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a current F-1 degree-seeking international student at Augsburg University with a minimum of one academic year of experience at Augsburg;
- Have a 2.50 overall cumulative grade point average (without being rounded) at the time of application and throughout your duration as an International Mentor;
- Be positive, enthusiastic, supportive, and capable of learning about and engaging differences on many levels; and
- Submit your APPLICATION by March 1, 2024, and the interviews will start on March 2nd till the 10th.
Lead Mentor
If you are applying to be a Lead Mentor, make sure you have all the qualifications listed above PLUS:
- Have 1 year of experience as an ISSS Mentor.
Responsibilities of an International Mentor
An international student mentor must commit to supporting his/her mentees throughout the first year in achieving a successful personal and academic adjustment to college life. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Attending all mentor training sessions and mandatory large group gatherings with mentors and mentees
- Participating with one’s mentees in activities with the International Student Organization and other activities on campus
- Keeping in touch with one’s mentees on a weekly basis
- Demonstrating a commitment to continue one’s own intercultural competence development and to improving mentoring skills
- Becoming more knowledgeable about Augsburg University
- Explaining how systems, policies, and procedures work at the University
- Introducing mentees to resources on campus that will support their needs
- Engaging in frequent reflection about assistance outcomes with one’s mentees
- Communicate with the Mentor Leads and the ISSS Office on how students are doing
- Submit International Student Mentor Program Evaluation in a timely manner
- Support students with their 4-year academic plan
- Help navigate our health insurance system
- Attend the Oyaté Retreat with the International Student Organization
What will Students gain from being an International Mentor?
- Satisfaction from assisting with the personal and academic adjustment of other international students
- Intercultural leadership development
- Enhanced networking abilities and communication skills
- International Mentor Scholarship