Cross Cultural Mentor Program Expands
The Cross Cultural Mentor Program, a UA organization designed to help new international students make transitions to the university, is growing rapidly, officials said.
“Our program has been growing. This past fall we had more than 50 student leaders participate and help us with the new student orientation,” said Niharika Bajad, graduate retention assistant.
The mentors help new students adjust culturally, socially and academically. This helps everyone involved gain leadership skills and cultural experience, Bajad said.
“The best experience I had being a mentor would be making friends with new people and experience the diverse culture,” said Mengjiao Liao, mentor and service assisstant. “Cross Cultural Mentor Program makes me feel closer to this school and makes the UA my second home.”
The mentors serve as a bridge between students and the Office of International Students & Scholars, Bajad said.
“Applicants need to go through one group interview and one individual interview. Finally, the selected applicants will have a group training day in April and there are three days of intensive training and info section before the orientation in August,” said Candy Hanfei Wang, cross cultural mentor for graduate and undergraduate students.
Cross Cultural Mentor Program works only for the international students but the mentors can be from any country, according to an online article.
Every year, the program invites guest speakers from the Pat Walker Health Center, the Quality Writing Center and the police department, Hanfei said.
