The Peer Mentor program is designed to ease the transition of new international students to life and academics at Penn State. First-year international students are matched with upper-class international students of the same nationality and/or field of study. These mentors are a resource to help new students with any concerns or questions, share experiences, and act as a friend. In the event that a mentor from the same nationality is not available, we will try to match a mentor with a mentee from the same region. This program is available to undergraduate and graduate students.

Please remember that ISS will try to match all interested students – however, please be patient as there may be a waiting list. Mentors and Mentees will be matched on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who can be a mentor?
Any international student who has studied at Penn State for at least one year (graduate or undergraduate), has at least a 3.0 GPA, is available to contact the assigned mentee at least once a week (by phone, email or in person), and is willing to share his/her experiences and meet new people can apply to be a mentor.

All peer mentors are required to complete the Peer Mentor Program Online Training. This is a four step process which must be completed by Friday October 2, 2009.

Step 1: Print and review the Peer Mentor Handbook
Step 2: Review the peer mentor power point tutorial
Step 3: Complete the peer mentor training quiz
Step 4: Sign and return the Code of Ethics Agreement

Questions about the training can be directed to program coordinator assistant, Brittany Reutzel.

What does a mentor do?
International student mentors are student leaders who will help new international students adjust to life at Penn State. This will include helping mentees with questions about academic, cultural and social concerns. Mentors will contact the assigned mentee at least once a week (by phone, email or in-person); ISS also offers many programs and activities throughout the year that international student mentors and mentees can attend. All mentors will receive a handbook and must participate in the International Student Mentor Training program.

Click Here to apply to be a Mentor.

Click Here for the International Peer Mentor Program Handbook.

Who can be a mentee?
Any first-semester international student (graduate or undergraduate) arriving at Penn State can apply to be matched with an international student mentor. 

What does a mentee do?
International students who are matched with an upper-class mentor should communicate with their mentor at least once a week. Mentees have the responsibility of communicating any questions or concerns to their mentor.