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International Buddy Program
Mentor Information

Current UMN students volunteer to assist the new international students in their transition to the University of Minnesota.

Why Become a Buddy Mentor?

  • Build your resume and get a certificate of participation
  • Be an ambassador to new international students
  • Gain insight on different cultural values and world views
  • Join a globally mind community
  • Have FUN!!

Buddy Mentor Responsibilities:

  • Emailing buddy or buddies once a week before their arrival
    Contact assigned buddy via email, get to know buddy and serve as a resource person.
  • Meet buddy at airport upon arrival.
    Using public or private transportation. Mandatory arrival date for new international students is January 8th.
  • Support buddy in first week at the University of Minnesota
    A checklist of activities and discussion points will be given for each mentor to help their buddy in their first days on campus.
  • Lead weekly gatherings during this first three weeks of the semester
    Hold one weekly activity in addition to the large group events.
  • Participate in large group events with your buddy. Check-in with program assistants and coordinators beforehand.
  • Attend closing event on February 26, 2009
    Certificates of participation will be given out at the closing event. It will be your chance to talk about your experiences with your buddy.
  • Attend one of the spring IBP overview meetings.
    Choose one of the following dates:
    1. Thursday, December 3rd
      3:30 – 4:30 pm
      Room 323 Coffman Hall
    2. Friday, December 4th
      3:00 – 4:00 pm
      Room 325 Coffman Hall

IBP Spring 2010 Calendar

Welcoming You to the U Party
Thursday, January 14th
4 pm

Warm Your Soul Gathering
Friday, January 29th
4 pm

Community Engagement Event
Mid-February
TBD

Buddy Mentor Celebration
February 26, 2009
4 pm

Volunteer Time Commitment:

  • One hour online communications per week from mid-December to mid-January.
  • Six hours the week of January 11th to help with the buddy’s arrival.
  • One hour a week for the first three weeks of the semester to check-in with your buddy.
  • Attend large group events with your buddy.

Some mentors choose to stay in contact with their buddies past the first three weeks of the semester.

Qualifications:

You must have been trained in as a Buddy Mentor previously. All buddy mentors meet the following requirements:

  • Provide sensitivity needed to assist new undergraduate international students.
  • Communicate effectively in both group and individual situations.
  • Demonstrate a sincere interest in helping people.
  • Be respectful to religious, political, sexual orientation and cultural differences.
  • Not promote any political or religious organization(s) to their buddy.
  • Have a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Submission Mentor application for Spring 2010
Application deadline is November 30th.

 

 

 
 
 
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