International Student Mentorship Program

Using an intercultural leadership development approach, this program seeks to provide a welcoming environment and supportive foundation to assist degree-seeking international students in a successful personal and academic transition into their first year at Florida A&M University.

Mission

The Mission of the International Student Mentorship Program supports newly enrolled or admitted international students at FAMU in Tallahassee, FL. In this dynamic program, mentors and mentees spend time together in virtual or in-person meetings, group gatherings, and social activities around the city. Involvement in the program offers a fun way for participants to develop leadership skills and foster community among international students at FAMU.

About the Mentorship Program

All participants are encouraged to commit to five (5) meetings and workshops during the academic year. See schedule below: 

In this dynamic program, mentors and mentees spend time together in virtual or in-person meetings, group gatherings, and social activities around the city.
In this dynamic program, mentors and mentees spend time together in virtual or in-person meetings, group gatherings, and social activities around the city.

 

International Student Mentorship Program Meetings and Workshops
Fall 2021 

Items Date Type Session Presenters

Initial meeting | Write to Heal

 Tuesday, September 7, 2021  Mandatory Zoom Meeting 

Ms. Paula Gomez
Dr. Reginald Ellis
Ms. Cynthia Portalatin 

Workshop | Living in the US 

 Tuesday, September 21 ,2021  Mandatory Zoom Meeting 

Ms. Sascha Benedict
Dr. Kristine Fleming 
First Friday October   Friday, October 1, 2021  Optional  Face-to-face activity   International Education & Development Office 
Outdoor activity with Rec Center (fishing)  TBC in October Optional  Face-to-face activity  

Ms. Paula Gomez
Mr. George “Chip” Heimbach 

Cinehassee 2021 | Movie  

 TBC in October  Optional 

Register in advance to watch the movie 

Please fill out this form to register: TBC

More information about the festival: TBC

Ms. Paula Gomez
Mr. Luis Porto Hernandez 
Fill Out The Survey   Tuesday, October 19, 2021  Mandatory Share your testimonial, including a picture(s), and a short video (min. 30 secs) of your experience as a Rattler and as a Mentorship / Mentee at paula.gomez@famu.edu  Ms. Paula Gomez 
International Education Week (Cooking Day)  Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Mandatory Face-to-face activity or Zoom session  International Education & Development Office 

*NOTE: The agenda may be subject to change

International Student Mentorship Program Meetings and Workshops
Spring 2022 

Items Date Type Session Presenters

Welcome back | Stress Management

Tuesday, January

 Mandatory Zoom Meeting

Ms. Paula Gomez
Ms. Antonia Brown 

Workshop With
The Career Center

 Tuesday, February Mandatory Zoom Meeting

Ms. Paula Gomez
Ms. Marie Smallwood
Outdoor activity with Rec Center (sport) Tuesday, March Optional  Face-to-face activity International Education & Development Office 
International Food and Cultural Awareness Festival Tuesday, April Optional  Face-to-face activity

Student Health Center
OIED  
Final Meeting Tuesday, April Mandatory Zoom Meeting

Ms. Paula Gomez
Dr. Reginald Ellis
Dr. Hyndman 

*NOTE: The agenda may be subject to change

In addition to the virtual meetings and workshops, mentors and mentees are also expected to meet or interact virtually at least once a month on their own. Students choose to meet either on or off-campus to grab a coffee, share a meal, or even social activity, keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines.

Mentorship Program Details

 

How does the International Mentorship Program Work?

Applicants must apply and be selected yearly and are eligible to serve a maximum of two years.

Applicants to become mentors must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a current F-1 degree-seeking international student at Florida A&M University with a minimum of one academic year experience at FAMU or at least have study abroad experience.
  • Have a 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average (without being rounded) at the time of application and throughout your duration as an International Mentor.
  • Be positive, enthusiastic, supportive, and capable of learning about and engaging different topics/issues on many levels.
  • The deadline to apply is Friday, August 27, 2021 for the 2021-22 academic year.

Applications for the Academic Year (Fall 2021 and Spring 2022) are now OPEN.

What are the responsibilities of a mentor?

An international student mentor must commit to supporting their mentees throughout the first year in achieving a successful personal and academic adjustment to college life. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  •  Assist your incoming Mentees as they adjust to life at FAMU and in Tallahassee, FL (e.g. offering advice on cultural adjustment, academics, campus resources, and the wider city). 
  • Attend and assist with Fall and Spring International Student Orientation Sessions.
  • Serve as student ambassadors for the School of Graduate Studies and Research during the following events:
  • Attending all five (5) meetings, and workshops during the semester. 
  • New Graduate Student Orientation (Fall and Spring)
  • Graduate Student Appreciation Week
  • Dean’s Fireside Chat Sessions
  • Facilitating and coordinating meetings with your mentees at least once a month.
  • Keeping in touch with one’s mentees on a weekly basis either via phone, email, or social media.
  • Meeting with a designated program coordinator at least once during the semester to check-in.
  • Participating in the social activities organized by the International Education Office.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to continue one’s own intercultural competence development and improving mentoring skills.
  • Becoming more knowledgeable about Florida A&M University.
  • Explaining how systems, policies, and procedures work at the University.
  • Introducing mentees to resources on campus that will support their needs.
  • Engaging in frequent reflection about assistance outcomes with one’s mentees.
  • Submitting the International Student Mentor Program Evaluation at the end of the semester.
  • Attending the FAMU International Education Week in September 2021.

 

What will Students gain from being an International Mentor?

  • A letter of accommodation and certificate from the Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Education and the Director of the Office of International Education and Development.
  • The opportunity to engage with Faculty and Staff.
  • Satisfaction from assisting with the personal and academic adjustment of other international students.
  • Intercultural leadership development.
  • Enhanced networking abilities and communication skills.

As a Mentee, you are responsible for:

  • Committing to meeting with your mentor at least once a month.
  • Attending all monthly big-group meetings.
  • Maintaining regular contact with your mentor.

Are you interested in becoming a Mentee?
Please send an email BEFORE the deadline Friday, August 21, 2021 to:

Ms. Paula Sofia Gomez, M.B.A.
International Admissions Coordinator
Office of International Education and Development

E: paula.gomez@famu.edu
P: 1 850-599-3562

Dr. Reginald K. Ellis
Assistant Dean for the School of Graduate Studies and Research
& Associate Professor of History and African American Studies

E: reginald.ellis@famu.edu
P: 850-561-2849