International Student Mentorship Program
The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) connects new international students (known as “mentees”) with current UCalgary students volunteers (known as “mentors”).
International Student Mentorship Program overview
The objectives of the international student mentorship program (ISMP) include:
- To welcome new international students to the UCalgary community
- To provide peer-advice about adapting to studying at UCalgary (remotely or in-person) and adapting to life in Calgary
- To build connections among new international students starting their studies (online or in-person) and current UCalgary students
Once mentors are matched with a new international student (mentee), they correspond by email prior to the students' arrival in Calgary (or start of remote studies).
ISMP mentors will be matched with new international students (mentees) at a similar level and area of study leading into the upcoming term. Mentors and mentees can attend different types of events and maintain contact throughout the term.
ISMP participants will:
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Winter 2025 registration is currently open! Scroll down to apply as a mentor or mentee.
Want to learn more about the mentorship program? Register for one of our upcoming online information sessions:
Mentors
Current UCalgary students
Mentors are current returning Canadian, international, undergraduate, or graduate students who are in good conduct standing. They volunteer to support incoming international students by answering questions about campus and Canadian life, sharing relevant experiences, and attending events with their mentees.
Mentors are upper-year students who have experienced life at the University of Calgary and wish to be a resource or helpful guide to another student as they navigate their own UCalgary experience. A mentor will help with questions like:
- Where do I buy textbooks?
- How does a "UPass" work?
- How do I get involved with student clubs?
- When do I find out my exam schedule?
- What are some fun things to do in Calgary?
- Where are some good places to eat on campus?
Mentor participation includes all of the following:
- To participate as a mentor, (1) Create a mentor profile on Mentor Link; (2) Complete the Volunteer Impact Application form and Volunteer OHS Orientation on BetterImpact; and (3) Complete mentor training pathway on Mentor Link (which will be available if your application has been accepted).
- You will then be matched with an incoming international student in a similar area and level of study
- Connect with mentee via email/text/zoom and/or in-person at least once a month (roughly July to Dec. for fall and Dec. to April for winter)
- Attend mentorship welcome reception events with your mentee
- Attend a sharing event or another social event organized by ISS and other campus units with your mentee
- Report and provide feedback when communicating with mentee(s) at least 1 to 2 times per month in order to receive the International Student Mentor digital badge
- Complete mid-point and program exit feedback surveys
Contact imentor@ucalgary.ca with any questions.
Winter applications are now open! The deadline to apply is January 10, 2025.
Mentees
Incoming new international students
Mentees are incoming international undergraduate, graduate, or exchange students who are new to life at the university, Calgary, and Canada. Mentees are interested in enhancing their student experience by:
- Connecting with an upper year student studying in the same program or faculty
- Getting advice about moving to, and living in, Calgary
- Learning about social things to do
- Meeting new acquaintances and building a social network
- Learning about UCalgary resources
- Feeling connected to a community
Mentee participation
Participating as a mentee is important and a strongly recommended step of the new international student checklist.
Before you arrive in Calgary:
- To participate, please create a Mentee profile on Mentorlink and join the International Student Mentorship Program
- Regularly check your email for messages from your mentor, and correspond with your mentor via email
- Check in with your mentor at least once per month (roughly July to Dec. for the fall term, and Dec. to April for the winter term)
Once you start your studies this winter:
- Attend the mentorship welcome reception (date to be confirmed) with your mentor
- Attend a sharing event or another social event with your mentor throughout term
- Complete mid-point and program exit feedback surveys
Contact imentor@ucalgary.ca with any questions.
Winter applications are now open! The deadline to apply is January 10, 2025.
Why You Should Join the Mentorship Program
Want to learn more about mentorship experiences our past mentors and mentees had? The article below has great examples of conversations between pairs and supports a mentee will receive.
Read on UCalgary student mentors sharing their highlights from the International Student Mentorship program!