Frequently asked questions & answers
How much time do I have to dedicate to Peer Mentoring?At the beginning of your mentoring relationship, you may want to meet with your mentoree or buddy for about 1-2 hours per week. After the first few meetings, you may decide to have meetings differently depending on the needs of your mentoree. During busy periods, for example midterms, you might not meet with your buddy as often but switch to keeping in touch via skype or phone instead.
Is it paid?
Peer mentoring is voluntary. Peer Mentors however may gain recognition and various gift items
How many mentoree will I have?
We try to allocate buddies on a one on one basis or up to three mentorees/mentor. This does depend on how many mentors we have in the given semester and the number of first year students starting the university.
Will my mentoree be from my own country?
Our mentor schemes are arranged so you may get the most suitable freshman student according to your request.
When will I know who my peer-buddy is?
In late August or by September 1st. as the new academic year begins you will be notified. On the freshman orientation day you will also meet your mentoree in person.
When will my first meeting be and how do I arrange it? We arrange this for you on the first face to face meeting (during orientation day). This is a good opportunity to introduce yourself and find out about your buddy. Mentors are expected to attend and meet their mentorees thereafter on the first week on.
What happens next?
Arrange to meet up with your mentoree throughout the eight week long period based on the timetable you have received and support him/her, whatever works for both of you. We recommend you to have face to face meetings once a week.
Where should we meet?
Most people meet up in a local cafe or somewhere on-campus. Make sure you meet in a public place at first until you get to know your mentoree.
How many times will we meet?
During the eight weeks hopefully at least eight times and on the events that are organized for mentors and mentorees. It’s good to have meetings with your buddy in a group as well if you can arrange it, or even to meet up with another mentor and his/her mentoree. That way, the new students get more opportunities to meet others in the program.
Am I expected to become a real friend for my mentoree? No. The mentor-mentoree relationship is a semi-professional one. You might not get on that well on a personal basis but can still maintain your mentoring role. However, many mentor-mentoree pairings have led to firm enduring friendships being made. Keep in mind peer-buddy program is not a dating service.