International Peer Mentor Program
About the Program
The International Peer Mentor Program (IPMP) provides support for incoming international students as they transition into their first year at University of Idaho. Peer Mentors will be committed to helping the first-year students who sign up for the program to navigate available campus and community resources as well as adjust to life in Moscow on a social, and cultural level by providing meaningful connections for the full academic year.
As a Peer Mentor, involvement in this program offers a fun and interactive way for participants to build leadership skills and foster community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peer Mentors will be able to grow their mentorship, intercultural communication and leadership skills.
Around the world, many graduate schools and employers seek students and employees who demonstrate the ability to collaborate and mentor people from diverse backgrounds. IPMP is a wonderful way to build those skills while giving back to the international community.
The selection of mentors will be based on merit, availability and via an online application submission.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits at U of I
- Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 credits at U of I
- Must be in good academic standing (maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA)
Availability
- Must meet with mentees for at least an hour each month throughout their commitment to the program for a full year
- Must volunteer at the International Student Orientation once a semester
- Must attend the Welcome Back Picnic hosted by the International Programs Office at the beginning of the fall semester
- Must be actively involved in the International Student Organization or any other international/cultural club
- Must attend all trainings and monthly Peer Mentor meetings
Each Peer Mentor gets to decide how many mentees they would like to be assigned. We recommend no more than four mentees to one Peer Mentor.
Coming to University of Idaho can often be both an exciting and a bit of an overwhelming experience.
The International Peer Mentor Program intends to create a sense of community and assist incoming first-year and transfer students in adjusting to life in Moscow. Participation allows students to further engage in campus life and forge lasting friendships.
As part of the application process, we ask all mentors and mentees what qualities would be important to them in a mentor/mentee pairing. We then do our best to pair prospective mentors and mentees using this information.
Can I be matched with someone from the same country or region of the world?
If the mentee prefers, we will try our best to match mentees and mentors from the same country or region of the world to provide support in their cultural transition.
Can I be matched with someone in the same academic department or program?
The International Peer Mentor Program is dedicated to supporting incoming international students in their cultural transition and academic success.
Although we try to match graduate students with fellow graduate students and likewise for undergraduates, we cannot guarantee that your mentor will be from your same academic department and program.
If you are interested in peer support specific to your academic department or program, please consult with your academic advisor to see what may be available.
We understand that there are often unforeseen circumstances that may cause participants to withdraw from the program. If this happens, please email: ipoprograms@uidaho.edu.
The International Ambassadors oversee IPMP and are responsible for checking in with a number of Peer Mentors. They ensure that the Peer Mentors are equipped to share campus resources and provide support to their mentees.
The International Ambassadors are also responsible for representing the international community at various events and programs across the campus and local community.
International Ambassadors also receive an award for their involvement. To apply to be an International Ambassador the following year, you are required to be involved in the Peer Mentor program.
We hope that you will continue participating in the mentor program. You might also consider applying for:
- An office position for the International Student Organization or any other club
- Cruise the World Planning Committee
- International Ambassador Program
- ASUI Senate
Apply for the International Peer Mentor Program
If you are interested in applying for the International Peer Mentor Program, complete this online form .
Please contact ipo-events@uidaho.edu if you have any questions.