Mentor Program
The Program
The Mentor Program sponsored by Macalester International Student Programs selects returning U.S. and international students to serve as mentors to incoming international students and domestic Ametrica participants. Students will meet their mentors during pre-orientation and will consult with them regularly throughout the semester. Mentors provide a student’s perspective on both academic and personal life at Macalester. Their job is to help international students feel comfortable at Macalester and answer their questions about policies and procedures related to life in the residence halls, campus facilities, registration and academic procedures, as well as questions about U.S. culture and off-campus opportunities in the Twin Cities Metro community.
Where in the World?
Where have the ISP mentors been all summer?
Where in the World?
Where have the ISP mentors been all summer?
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR
Note: Information about the mentor dean application will be sent to returning mentors directly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE AS A MENTOR
As a mentor, you will each be directly responsible for approximately five students as well as aiding fellow mentors with their mentees in the Fall 2025. As students themselves, mentors can answer questions and give suggestions about life, culture and academics on and off campus. Mentors work closely with ISP staff to organize informational, cultural and educational discussions of interest for new students. Other expectations include acting as an information giver, tour guide, encourager, educator and learner.
The hours a mentor works per week vary depending on if whether you are involved with Ametrica facilitation. You can expect to work at least 5-9 hours a week between meeting every mentee in person, journaling, meeting with Luyen, Molly, or Britt and attending planning meetings. Some weeks may require more hours due to ISP or Ametrica events. Mentors are paid the current hourly rate for campus employment.
As a mentor you will be required to arrive in mid August for mentor training. Plan on being at Mac and available to work until school begins. Mentors will work until late October/early November. Because of this, you may need to find another on-campus job that does not interfere with mentoring. Remember that international students may not exceed 20 hours per week of employment, combining all of your jobs.
2025 Application Deadlines
No late submission is accepted at any point in the application
(Central Time)
- Step I – Interest Form Dec. 31, 2024 11:59 PM
- Step II – Application + Submit a Resume Jan. 22, 2025 11:59 PM
- Step III – Mentor Simulation Jan. 27 – Feb. 17, 2025
- Step IV – Additional Criteria Feb. 23, 2025 11:59 PM
UNDERSTANDING THE MENTOR APPLICATION STEPS
Below are the various mentor application steps. Each year, ISP receives many more applications than mentor positions available. We are very strict about deadlines so please note them. This is because we believe that applicants demonstrate responsibility by meeting deadlines, and because we receive far more applications each year than positions available. Decisions on choosing mentors will be made by the ISP Mentor Selection Committee. If you are not certain about an issue and if it could affect your eligibility, please check with Luyen, Britt, or Molly. Note, mentor deans (those who have mentored in the past) go through a different process than new mentors, please contact ISP for 2025 mentor dean positions.
To apply to be a new mentor, you must complete the following steps to be considered by the Selection Committee. We hope to notify accepted mentors of our decision around March 1, 2025.
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The interest form is the beginning of the application process to be a Fall 2025 ISP mentor. You MUST complete the Step I Interest Form to be eligible to receive the full written application, which is Step II of the application process. The Step II Application will only be sent to applicants who have completed Step I.
The interest form is due by 11:59 pm (CT) on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. No late interest forms will be accepted after the deadline.
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Online application is due by 11:59 pm (CT) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. No late applications and late resumes will be accepted after the deadline.
Tip: We take note of which applicants complete this step early.
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This is a simulation of being a mentor that gives you the experience of what to expect, and gives ISP a better understanding of your ability to be responsible and follow through. The simulation will run from January 27 – February 17, 2025.
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The Selection Committee will review applications according to what degree applicants meet all application criteria. Aside from Steps I-III, additional criteria may be included; such as (the following is subject to change):
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- Obtain a U.S. permit/driver’s license and Macalester van certification (very important)
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- All van drivers must be a minimum age of 19, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, and complete the following: driving record check, classroom and video training, and a successful behind-the-wheel driving check. Email Facilities Services at [email protected] with questions.
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- Obtain a U.S. permit/driver’s license and Macalester van certification (very important)
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- Complete Bystander Intervention training
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- Complete a CPR training course
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- Complete a QPR training course
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- ISP advisory committee helping other offices, such as Health and Wellness Center
Email any additional application criteria to [email protected] with proof (picture of your permit etc.) by 11:59 pm (CT) on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
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MENTOR APPLICATION FAQ
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As a mentor, you will play a key role in welcoming new international students during the pre-orientation in August. You will be directly responsible for approximately four to six students and aid fellow mentors with their mentees in the fall semester. As students themselves, mentors can answer questions and give suggestions about life, culture, and academics on and off campus. Mentors work closely with ISP staff to organize informational, cultural, and educational discussions of interest for new students. Other expectations include acting as a resource connector, tour guide, encourager, educator and learner, contributing to a supportive and enriching experience.
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Each mentor will have about 4 to 6 mentees with a mix of incoming international and domestic students, some of whom will be in the Ametrica program. If you are assigned as an exchange student mentor, you will be working with students from exchange programs as well as transfer students.
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During the summer mentor training and PO4IS, you are expected to work full-time for approximately 30 hours per week. The hours a mentor works during the fall semester vary depending on whether you are involved with Ametrica facilitation. You can expect to work at least 5-9 hours a week between meeting every mentee in person, journaling, meeting with Luyen, Molly, or Britt and attending weekly planned meetings. Some weeks may require more hours due to ISP or Ametrica events.
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Prior experience is not required, but it is highly valued. We are looking for students who have experience in mentoring, cross-cultural interactions, or engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. That said, passion and enthusiasm are just as important! If you’re eager to learn and excited about supporting and connecting with international students, we provide comprehensive training to help you succeed in this role.
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Once you are selected as an ISP mentor for the fall semester, you will attend two key training sessions:
- A half-day Mentor Program Preview in the spring semester (unpaid).
- A week-long Mentor Training in August (paid) before the start of PO4IS.
All training sessions are conducted in person to provide hands-on learning and build team connections.
PO4IS, which stands for Pre-Orientation for International Students, is a program where mentors actively participate in welcoming and supporting new international students. Responsibilities include greeting students on arrival day, assisting with completing immigration documents, and facilitating introductions to their mentee groups. This is a crucial time for building connections and helping students feel at home.
*Note that during Mentor Training and PO4IS mentors are expected to work full-time, thus you should make sure there is no other job or activity that will interfere with this period.
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Absolutely! We welcome applications from both domestic and international students. This role is ideal for anyone seeking valuable experiences in areas such as cross-cultural communication, one-on-one mentoring, conflict management, leadership, event planning, networking, and more. We encourage you to apply if you’re passionate about building connections with the international student community and supporting others in a diverse environment.
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Mentors will work until late October/early November. Because of this, you may need to find another on/off-campus job that does not interfere with mentoring. Remember that international students may not exceed 20 hours per week of employment, combining all of your jobs.
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Returning mentors have the chance to take on leadership roles as mentor deans, where they will lead mentor squads and play a key role in organizing and coordinating activities. Mentor deans will also be actively involved in the selection and training of new mentors, providing guidance and support to help them succeed in their roles. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced mentors to expand their leadership skills and contribute to the growth of the mentoring program.
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Drivers at least 19 years of age with a valid license issued by a U.S. state may be eligible to take the van certification training and qualify to drive Macalester vans. ISP would appreciate it if mentors could get their U.S. driver’s licenses and become van certified as they can pick up new students from the airport and bring them to campus, as well as help with other activities that require transportation. Having a valid driver’s license may also be beneficial to you in your personal and future professional life. Van certification courses will be announced in Mac Daily by Facilities Services and/or ISP when available.
Meet our 2025-2026 Mentors
Rosie (Yuqing) Bai (Class of 2026) is from Beijing, China. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science, with minors in Biology and Dance. She loves contemporary dance and outdoor activities, and wishes to do wildlife conservation for her whole life. This is her second time as a mentor.
Xander Hall (Class of 2026) is a Junior from Oslo, Norway, but also has ties to the US and UK. He is majoring in mathematics and economics, but is also passionate about environmental issues, hoping to focus his studies there. He loves learning new things, and will tell you all about them if you let him. Sports are a major interest, with Xander being on the club rugby, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee teams. Otherwise he loves reading, hiking, and board games, and would love to play some with incoming students!
Beja Puškášová (Class of 2026) is a rising junior majoring in English, as well as Theater & Dance. She is an international student from the Czech Republic. She enjoys having UWC conversations at lunch, learning languages and playing with sticks. She also likes cooking, going out for boba and drawing. She is looking forward to meeting her mentees and helping them adjust to their new life at Mac.
Sophia Segura (Class of 2027) is originally from North Carolina, USA, but spent her final two years of high school in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is an International Studies major and English minor, and might do a concentration in Human Rights if she can finesse her schedule well enough. Outside of class you’ll find her strolling around Mac’s neighborhood, listening to music, and practicing her ice skating skills (she’s determined to learn before leaving Minnesota). She can’t wait to work as a mentor and is excited to meet everyone this fall!
Ivy Lin (Class of 2027) is from Chengdu, China. She is from the class of 2027 majoring in Chemistry with an emphasis on Biochemistry. She likes playing the piano and watching animation in the free time, and also likes singing with her friends. She is looking forward to making new friends as a mentor.
Winnie Shi (Class of 2027) grew up in Shanghai, China. They are a sophomore majoring in Data Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They are a huge fan of traveling and cooking with friends, and their go-to ice cream flavors are milk and matcha. Their biggest wish is to open a shop in the future, such as an ice cream shop, bookstore, or flower shop. Despite the diverse categories of shops, you can see that Winnie just wants to give themself a really loooooong holiday. They can’t wait to meet their new mentees to help their transition to college life!!!
Tenzin Passang (Class of 2028) is a rising sophomore originally from Tibet, born and raised in India. She’s currently exploring both Economics and the pre-med track as she figures out where her passions will take her.
Tenzin loves spending time in nature with friends, dancing, listening to music, and being around animals, especially dogs and cats (no need to pick sides!). She discovered her love for camping here in Minnesota and has completely fallen for the beauty of autumn.
On campus, she performs with Xertion, the Asian dance group, and enjoys the creativity and community it brings. Tenzin is excited to meet and support her mentees and fellow first-years, and hopes to be someone they can turn to as they find their own rhythm in college life.
Dariane Santos Duarte (Class of 2028) is originally from Brazil but spent most of her life in Eswatini and recently moved to California with her family. She is an International Studies and French double major. Dari loves traveling, learning new languages, swimming, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Having been through many transitions herself she looks forward to welcoming new students and helping them settle into their new lives at Macalester.
Mira Steinberg (Class of 2028) is from California, USA, but graduated from a high school in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She’s still working out the details of her major (Anthropology? International Studies? Both?), but at least knows she’ll get a Spanish minor. Outside of class, she loves to read, play around with some art, and cook (she’s living in Spanish House next year so she’s very excited to have a kitchen again!).
Yiwei Xiong (Class of 2028) is from Kunming, China. She is currently planning to major in Biology with a Biochemistry emphasis. She enjoys traditional Chinese dance and has a passion for various handicrafts. She has many Lego creations and puzzles in her home. As a beginner in snowboarding, she is very excited to go snowboarding with everyone. She is looking forward to meeting everyone in the fall.
Fatima Wakili (Class of 2028) Fatima grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is now planning to double major in Psychology and Studio Arts. She has a strong passion for making art through sculpting with different materials, drawing, and painting. She’ll never say no to good food, cute animations, or random conversations with strangers. She loves practicing the piano and is a devoted cat lover. She is currently trying to figure out adulting by joining various activities on and off campus. This fall, she’s excited to be a mentor and hopes to be a supportive friend to her mentees as they start their college journey.