Peer mentoring

Sometimes, you just want to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Peer mentors are students who have successfully completed your program and can help you to do the same.

Peer mentoring is open to international students in both diploma and UTS Foundation Studies programs. Brand-new international students meet regularly, in groups, with a Peer Mentor. Students get to meet with their mentors in a small group of 3-4 other students once a week for 2 hours from Weeks 4-10. If the meeting needs to be cancelled - by the mentor or student, both need to give as much notice as possible.

Benefits of having a peer mentor can include:

• Increased academic achievement
• Improved social skills
• Greater feeling of connection to school community
• Increased attendance and motivation to continue study.

In addition to providing study advice and assistance, Peer Mentors also support their students in settling into life in Sydney, understanding Australian culture and making new friends.

Over the course of your studies you may come across Peer Helpers in the class room. Their role is to provide you with additional learning support in class. They may help clarify terms, assist you in preparing for assessments and class activities, and help you to engage and participate in class. Peer Helpers can also work with you to increase your understanding of what is expected of you in your subjects.

To meet a mentor, just complete the Buddy Expression of Interest Form. The form will be sent to your UTS email address when you enrol. You will learn more about the International Student Mentoring Program (ISMP) during Orientation and Academic Preparation Week. For more information about the program, email AdvisersFoundation@utscollege.edu.au or AdvisersDiploma@utscollege.edu.au

You will be matched with a senior student Peer Mentor who has already successfully completed a UTS College program.

Talk to your mentor about how to deal with issues like:

• Feeling alone, depressed, or anxious
• Breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend
• Feeling homesick
• Having trouble making new friends.

Peer Mentors focus on helping you settle into student life in Sydney. They can provide some general study advice, but you need to see a Study Success Adviser for more specific help with your studies. And follow this link to seek advice for when things go wrong.

Study Success Advisers: AdvisersFoundation@utscollege.edu.au or AdvisersDiploma@utscollege.edu.au.

If you have successfully completed a UTS College program and would like to help international students adapt to student life, speak to the Study Success Advisers about becoming a Peer Mentor.