Peer Mentor Program
The award-winning International Peer Mentor Program has been running since 2008.
This program allows participants to develop leadership skills and form long-term friendships, and it is often described as one of the most memorable highlights of student life by our current and past mentors. Both international and domestic students can be peer mentors.
Here is what current and past International Peer Mentors (IPMs) say about their experience:
The IPM program has honestly been the best thing I have done throughout all my undergrad studies, and I am so so grateful for the amazing opportunities it has provided me with. I will miss it greatly!
- International Peer Mentor
An International Peer Mentor (IPM) is a current student who volunteers their time to help new international students settle into life in Adelaide and the University of Adelaide. Both international and domestic students can be IPMs.
All new students have to make adjustments to be successful at university. IPMs provide peer support and a student’s perspective of University life by sharing their experiences, challenges and insights.
Read profiles of our current International Peer Mentors.
The selection of mentors will be based on merit, availability, and via an online application submission.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in at least 2 courses in each study period at the University of Adelaide
- Must have completed at least 1 study period and achieved a 5.0 GPA (credit average) OR if you are in your first study period and really want to be an IPM next year, you will be required to demonstrate you have performed well to date (for more detail, please contact us)
- Must have at least 2 study terms remaining in their degree, in order to sign a 1 year volunteer contract as an IPM
Availability
- Willing to volunteer for the full week during each International Student Welcome period (Semester 1 and Semester 2).
- Willing to volunteer at 75% of CommuniTea events each semester, plus set up and clean up.
- Willing to volunteer at 75% of four Language and Community Engagement (LCE) events each semester on Friday afternoon/evenings.
- Willing to volunteer at a minimum of 1 holiday social program event during each holiday period
- Keen to take part in student panels during Orientation events
- Open to take part in University committees, Communities of Practice and consultation sessions for student voice and feedback about specific issues and trends.
- Inclusion & Diversity: Creates/supports an inclusive environment that values/celebrates differences
- Integrity/Honesty: Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
- Student participant Experience: Enjoys working and connecting with, understanding, and helping other students
- Personal Responsibility: Accepts responsibility/accountability for actions; is dependable
- Self-Awareness: Is aware of how words or actions may be perceived by or affect others
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Works productively with others to achieve goals; seeks diverse perspectives
- Enthusiasm: Is enthusiastic about one’s own role; looks for ways to make volunteer shifts fun and engaging
While every International Peer Mentor should prioritise their studies, commitment to participating in induction, training and professional development activities, and key IPM and University events will be required. Before you consider applying, take note of these key compulsory in-person dates for later in 2022 and during 2023:
- Interviews for the role: To be held during the first and second week of October 2022
- Induction to IPM program: During SWOT week (31 October-4 November 2022. Exact day TBC)
- Two-day IPM training: 15-16 February (to be ready for O-Week)
- O-Week S1 2023: 20 – 25 February 2023 (Participation in the full week is required, including Saturday – it will be a great week of fun!)
- Professional development and re-training: 12-13 July 2023.
- O-Week S2 2023: 17-23 July 2023 (also including Saturday)
- 75% of morning tea events each semester (these could be weekly or monthly)
- 75% of Language and Culture engagement evening events each semester (usually on a Friday).
Applications for 2023 International Peer Mentors are now closed. Applications will open again in mid-2023. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the IPM program, please contact International Student Support.