Inside UNB
International Mentorship Program
The UNB International Mentorship Program (IMP) is a student volunteer program that connects new international students with a current UNB Student Mentors who will act as cultural guides and provide information, support and guidance.
Program Goals:
- Assist new international students with advice and support
- Promote intercultural understanding and friendship between UNB students of culturally diverse backgrounds
- Provide leadership and mentorship opportunities to UNB students
- Foster a community of future leaders with broad global perspectives
- Further internationalize the UNB community
How to Be Matched with a Mentor:
If you are new to Canada and you would like an introduction to life in Fredericton, or if you just want to meet new friends, this program is for YOU!
Here is how it works:
- If you are interested in being matched with a mentor, complete this application. There is no fee.
- Once you have signed up, you will receive an email matching you with your mentor and you will both be invited to attend the Mentorship Welcome Event.
- Other mentorship activities you can look forward to with your mentor are: touring the UNB campus and Fredericton community, attending social and cultural events, or simply taking the time to chat over a cup of coffee.
What can you expect:
- Your mentor will be a cultural guide to life in Fredericton and will help connect you to other students on campus.
- Your mentor may be in a different academic faculty from you. If you are looking for a mentor in your academic faculty please check with your Academic Advisor.
- You and your mentor will attend at least one social event each month and your mentor will check-in with you via email periodically throughout the term.
- Your mentor will be a great UNB resource. If you have questions regarding where to go for help, you mentor can help direct you to the right service on campus.
How to Become a Mentor
The International Student Advisor's Office is looking for Mentors who are ready to make a genuine commitment to assisting new international students with the transition to life in Canada and student life at UNB. If you have in interest in cross-cultural exchange, have studied at UNB for at least one year, are in good academic standing, and are prepared to volunteer your time for 4-5 hours a month to assist a new international student than this program is for YOU!
Mentor Responsibilities:
- Attend a half day of mentorship training
- Attend the Mentorship Welcome Event
- 4-5 hours/month social events throughout the term
- Check in with your mentee regularly via text/phone/email to provide support and advice
- Click HERE to sign-up
Why Be a Mentor?
"Three years ago, I came to UNB to be an international student. I was warmly welcomed and felt like being a family member in a new group. In the three years, I deeply experienced the challenges of being an international student in a new country, such as language problem, culture differences, pressure from studies, homesickness, and financial problems. At the same time, I am so grateful to all those who give a hand to me. People in the International Student Advisor's Office, Student Health Center, Writing Center, Counselling Services, libraries, Employment Services, and information technology services are willing to provide help at any time. With their help, I settled down, focused on my thesis research, developed living skills, and began to enjoy my life in Fredericton. I am very happy to share my experience with international students new to UNB. I realize that sometimes people are shy to ask for help and don't know where to go. Being a mentor, I will help them to reach the right person and get the right information, encourage them to look for help, and develop skills for enjoying life as an international student. Being a mentor is good for helping people, develop communication skills, sharing happiness and sadness, and making friends. The experience will also be a shining part in my resume."
3rd year PhD student from China
