Information for all New International Undergraduates, Including '16s, Transfers, and Exchange Students
Would you like to:
Then participate in the International Student Mentor Program!
The International Student Mentor Program provides immediate support and assistance to Dartmouth's newest international undergraduates through correspondence that begins before new students arrive on campus. This program of support and friendship continues formally throughout orientation and is ongoing during the first two semesters of a student's life at Dartmouth.
Ten international and U.S. upperclass Dartmouth students were selected to be International Student Mentors (ISMs) in a highly competitive selection process. Each mentor is assigned a group of approximately eight to twelve new international undergraduates. ISMs assist and befriend Dartmouth's newest international undergraduates through pre-arrival correspondence, meeting new international students at Logan International Airport on August 22 and 23, and at the bus stop in Hanover, and by helping new internationals get settled when they first arrive on campus. ISMs continue to help new students get off to a good start at Dartmouth during Orientation. The formal work of advising new international undergraduates continues throughout the fall and winter terms as needed (and friendship continues well beyond that).
"Culture shock" is a real phenomenon experienced by many international students as they adjust to a new environment, climate, diet, culture, country, and institutional rules and regulations. The International Student Mentor program cannot claim that new internationals will never suffer a bout of culture shock if they participate in the ISM program. However, International Student Mentors help to make the academic, personal, and social adjustment of many of our new students easier with the care and attention they bestow upon them. The experience that mentors have to offer as upperclass students is invaluable.
"Right off the Dartmouth Coach I felt welcomed as a member of the Dartmouth community because of the warm welcome I received from the International Mentors They made the international orientation enlightening and exciting. This program definitely enriched my freshman experience." - Akwugo Nnama, Class of 2012, from Nigeria
"I stepped off the bus and was heartily welcomed to Dartmouth by an exuberant group of students. I was home. The International Student Mentor Program helped ease my transition to college by introducing me to the international community, and by providing me with able mentors at a most disorienting time." - Javed Jaghai, Class of 2012, from Jamaica
"Having a mentor who has been through the whole process of adaptation to Dartmouth life was very helpful for me as a freshman. My anticipated doubts and questions were answered almost instantly the minute I got on campus! The mentors, who are well trained and prepared, made Dartmouth even more welcoming to us!" - Si Jie Loo, Class of 2012, from Malaysia
"It (the Mentor Program) gave me a sense of membership and belonging to the Dartmouth community when I was barely starting to think about my transition to Dartmouth. And when I arrived to the campus, I already knew my mentor and other fellow students in our group. This pre-established acquaintance and friendship made it easier for me to settle down." - Waheed Zarif, Class of 2011, from Afghanistan
"The International Student Mentor Program helped me become familiar with Dartmouth since the first day I got there. Through the program I managed to immediately get the right feeling with the place, feel comfortable with completely new people around me, and start new friendships that I could eventually develop throughout my first year at Dartmouth." - Carlo Pizzinelli, Class of 2012, from Italy
Getting involved in the International Student Mentor Program is as easy as completing the International Student Mentor Request Form. Click on the link below to complete the form. You will then be on your way to being paired with a mentor and reaping the benefits of this enjoyable and helpful program. If you are unable to access or complete and return the International Student Mentor Request Form through this website, please contact Pavel Bacovsk '13, this year's International Student Mentor Program Coordinator, at Pavel.Bacovsky@dartmouth.edu. You may also contact either Pavel or Steve Silver, the Director of International Student Programs - OPAL, through the International Student Mentor e-mail (blitz) account at International.Student.Mentor@dartmouth.edu.
