International Buddy Program Mentors

 

A group of International Buddy Program Mentors and Mentees discussing

 

IBP is designed to encourage current students to meet new international students and help them transition into life at GW.  Newly arrived students need mentors like YOU to answer their questions, help them adjust to a new life here while being their first friend at GW!

New students are often full of questions about their new lives at GW. This is your chance to reach out and assist someone new to the area and provide advice, support and friendship.

We look forward to your voluntary participation and are very appreciative of your willingness to give back to the CCAS community

Why Become a Mentor?

  • Be a cultural ambassador to incoming international students
  • Gain insight on different cultural values and worldviews
  • Join our global community of students coming from more than 33 countries!
  • Establish lifelong friendships

Mentor Responsibilities:

  • Complete an electronic Orientation Training session (about a campus tour, GW resources, and questions that your buddy may have, suggestions for activities with your buddy)
  • Initiate correspondence with your buddy at least once a week before their arrival
  • Provide information about campus life at GW
  • Meet the assigned buddies and give them individual help, be a friend and resource to your partner
  • Participate in IBP events and activities
  • Attend the Meet and Greet event where you will meet your buddy in person for the first time.
  • Meet with your Buddy at least once in the first week/month of their arrival – for coffee, a walk, a meal, GW sports and arts event, whatever you prefer
  • Contact each other by phone or email at least once every two weeks
  • Meet with each other at least three times per semester

Qualifications:

  • Current CCAS graduate student.
  • Complete required mentor training.

Requirements:

  • Effective communication skills
  • Sincere interest in helping people.
  • Respect towards religious, political, sexual orientations and cultural differences.
  • Grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Yancey Burns

Yancey Burns

MA, Media and Strategic Communication
From West Virginia

"It is a genuine pleasure to have an opportunity to help a fellow student with getting acclimated to my country and my city."

Questions?

Please contact us through the International Buddy Program email at [email protected] or visit our IBP Facebook Page and Instagram for more information!

 

Program Highlights

Dean Paul Wahlbeck delivers a welcome remark to guests from the Korean Ministry of Environment

Geography Professor Meets with Delegates from Ministry of Environment of Korea

On February 19, Prof. Melissa Keeley from the GW Geography Department hosted a meeting for a delegation of 12 members sponsored by the Ministry of Environment of Korea. Dean Walhbeck delivered the welcome remarks.