alt=""

Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program helps new international students acclimate to Washington State University and the United States.

The goal of the International Student Peer Mentor Program is to assist international students in their personal, academic, social, and cultural transition to studying and living in the United States and at WSU. Peer Mentors help international students transition to life at WSU, provide helpful information, connect students to resources, answer questions, and plan program events.

alt=""
Angel Ikueze

When I came into WSU as an international student, the resources and mentors that were provided by International Student and Scholar Services  was very efficient and helpful to me understanding the basics of the WSU campus. They provided me with the guidance I needed, which made my transitioning into college life easier.

Angel Ifunanyachukwu Ikueze, Nigeria
alt=""
Abiola Adeniran

Gaining admission into the graduate program at WSU is my first experience studying outside my home country. I had initially thought it will be challenging to get started but thanks to the international peer mentor program, it has been easy.

Abiola Teslim Adeniran, Nigeria

New students – mentees

Are you coming to WSU soon? Are you a little nervous? Do you have tons of little questions you want to ask a current student?

Email ip.peermentors@wsu.edu to receive a link to be paired with a peer mentor. All you need to say is: I want a mentor!

Your mentor will be there to answer your questions and invite you to social events with other new Cougs and mentors in your first semester.

Please allow administrators a week or so to get you paired with a mentor who will be hand-selected just for you according to the information you give us in the mentor request form.  

Current students – mentors

alt=""

We invite both international and domestic students to be volunteer mentors. No international travel experience is necessary; all you need is a desire to help and willingness to learn.

Both graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the program. We match mentors and mentees based on their degree level.

  • Graduate students are paired with incoming graduate students
  • Undergraduate students are paired with incoming undergraduate students.

Freshmen in their first semester can apply to be a mentor, as can soon-to-be seniors.

Program benefits

The Peer Mentor Program offers a great opportunity for current students to learn about a new culture, develop intercultural communication skills, plan events, and gain mentorship experience.

Graduate schools and employers around the world seek students and employees who demonstrate the ability to collaborate and mentor people from diverse backgrounds. The Peer Mentor Program is a fantastic way to develop those skills!

We provide several training and professional development opportunities for mentors throughout the year. We also provide a great community where you can meet students from all over the world and create lasting friendships. Please contact ip.peermentors@wsu.edu with any questions or ideas for collaboration. We look forward to hearing from you!

How peer mentoring works

Each semester, as a peer mentor you will be connected with a group of incoming international students who were paired with you according to your major and/or personal interests. Your job—your opportunity—is to:

  • Communicate regularly with them prior to their arrival
  • Welcome them at the ISSS in-person tutorial
  • Help them understand American culture
  • Guide them to clubs and groups on campus

This will help them find their social support network that will be with them throughout their time at WSU.

A summary of what you will do

  • Communicate regularly with your mentees prior to their arrival in the United States or at WSU (if transferring from another U.S. institution). This pre-arrival communication helps create a sense of community before they arrive!
  • Welcome your mentees at the ISSS in-person tutorial and provide personal support throughout the program
  • Connect new students to resources on campus and in the community
  • Plan one program-wide event with other mentors
  • Plan informal gatherings with mentees to spend time together

Program requirements

Mentors must fulfill the following requirements (in addition to the activities listed above):

  • Attend the onboarding training
  • Maintain regular communication and contact with mentees during the semester
  • Attend monthly Peer Mentor meetings
  • Act responsibly and ethically in communications and interactions with incoming international students, providing accurate and reliable advice and guidance to students

Peer Mentor application

We would love to welcome you to our team!

If you would like to be notified of future recruitment events, please email ip.peermentors@wsu.edu and we will contact you with a direct link to apply.

A peer mentor…

will help new international students transition to life at WSU and connect students to resources on campus and in the community. Learn about a new culture, develop intercultural communication skills, and build networks.

Watch this space…

  • Learn about new cultures
  • Gain mentorship experience
  • Develop intercultural communication skills

The next application date will be announced here.