Coming to a new
country to study abroad is not as easy as it might sound.
Besides understanding
the culture of a new country, international
students often need to adapt to a new culture of studying
and socializing, a new living environment and a new circle of friends. The
benefit of having a mentor to help navigate these changes is
invaluable. A mentor can share past experiences, help you
become involved in more activities and introduce you to new
friends. Mentors can help you have a better
transition to the college experience away from home.
If you're wondering
how to find a mentor in college,
the following suggestions might inspire you to take action.
1. Ask for advice from
an international upperclassman: Imagine what you will know about your
U.S. College three years from now. You might know every corner of your
school, understand which organizations are the strongest on campus or have
acquired helpful tips to get great internships.
This is the value
that international student upperclassmen can give you as a new
student. They know what they could have done if they had had a second
chance as a new student. The knowledge they have acquired throughout all
these years could be transferred to you.
When you meet
international upperclassmen, ask them to tell more about their college experiences
share what they do on the weekends or give some thoughts on
their previous internships.
If you find a mutual
interest and believe you can learn much more from one of these individuals, do
not hesitate to keep in touch with that person and probe him or her with
more thoughtful questions. Experience is golden.
2.
Take help from your professor: Do not be afraid to have a talk with your
favourite professor. You will not bother them by asking
questions related to your passion for learning. Your favourite professor might
already teach many international students just like you. He or she could give
you wise advice to help strengthen your academic experiences.
3.
Join a mentor program through your college or a student organization: Many student organizations have mentor
programs. By joining a
student organization, you have a chance to have a mentor or to
work with many mentors. Very often, your school may also have cultural
organizations where you can find friends who come from the same background as
you do. Increase your chances of finding a mentor by joining one or more
student organizations.
Your college may also
have mentor programs exclusively for new international students. You can simply
ask your college adviser or the international students office for more
information about these mentor programs and register to have a mentor for your
freshman year.
For more information
visit our website - www.aliffoverseas.com
