International Student Mentorship Program

The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to help international students develop friendships and adjust to their new learning and living environment. The mentors are Nipissing University are students who volunteer their time to help support you! Some mentors may have studied abroad and others might be interested in going overseas in the future, but all of them have an interest in meeting new people and learning about different cultures. The mentors are responsible for organizing trips, social events and activities for international students. We recommend all new international students participate in ISMP, but it is not mandatory.

Members of the ISMP team are also available throughout the school year to help answer any questions you may have about your courses, campus procedures, on- campus living, the North Bay community and much more!

The Nipissing International Support office will send you an email prior to your arrival at Nipissing University. You will have the opportunity to meet with the mentors and participate in individual meetings as well as group events. It is important to keep in mind that our mentors are students as well, and although they have schoolwork and jobs of their own, they will do their best to help meet your needs.

Nipissing Students

Internationalizing Your Degree at Home

The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is a student volunteer program connecting international students with current Nipissing University students. The group provides international students with social activities, such as trips to Ottawa and Toronto, camping, skating in a provincial park and international potlucks throughout their time at Nipissing. This program also trains its mentors to connect international students with personal and academic supports available to them at the University.

The program fosters and facilitates cross-cultural learning with a focus on supporting students with their transition to life in Canada and at Nipissing University.

The International Student Mentorship Program is also a registered activity for Nipissing University’s Record of Student Development (RSD).

About the ISMP Executive Team Become a mentor

ISMP Executive Team

Welcome wonderful mentors!

Thank you for your involvement in the program, we could not do it without your continued commitment and dedication! Find important information for you below.

International Student Mentorship Program Executive Positions

Executive of Mentoring (2)

Executive of Mentoring (2) Responsibilities

Assist in the delivery of mentor training
Pairing Mentors with Mentees
Monitoring communication form submissions
Providing mentors’ feedback on responsibilities, expectations, and behaviour
Supporting and coaching mentors with their mentorship with international students
Creating and distributing monthly mentor meeting agendas and minutes
Co-leading monthly mentor meetings

Executive of Mentorship Programming

Executive of Mentorship Programming Responsibilities

Assist in the delivery of mentor training
Creating mentor groups for programming
Develop package programs for events/activities
Assist with logistics of on-campus and off-campus event planning
Approve advertisement prior to being shared with students
Track program proposals and program reports
Promote on-campus and off-campus events through social media and Microsoft Teams Channels
Co-leading monthly mentor meetings

Executive of Departmental Programming

Executive of Departmental Programming Responsibilities

Assist in the delivery of mentor training
Assist with the logistics of departmental organized events/trips
Seek feedback from students regarding event/trip details
Create advertisements or Facebook event pages for departmental events/trips
Complete both a program proposal and report for departmental events/trips
Co-leading monthly mentor meetings

Executive of Communications

Executive of Communications Responsibilities

Coordinate the promotion of ISMP programming
Assist in building, developing, and maintaining relationships for ISMP with on-campus & off-campus stakeholders
Support communication with mentors and international students (upcoming events, important updates and applicable information)
Collaborate social media posts for ISMP events and create graphics as necessary
Offer and provide strategies for international students using creative mediums (social, academic)
Assist with logistics of on-campus and off-campus event planning
Assist in the delivery of mentor training
Co-leading monthly mentor meetings

WUSC-ISMP Liaison

WUSC-ISMP Liaison Responsibilities

Act as a liaison with the Nipissing WUSC committee – ISMP
Provide leadership to the WUSC Local Committee
Act as the secondary contact and signatory with WUSC Ottawa in the sponsorship process for the Student Refugee Program (SRP)
Promote and inform students, staff and faculty about WUSC programs and activities
Support the rest of the executive team and local committee members
Organize WUSC local committee meetings
Volunteer and recruit volunteers for local committee events.
Update transition documents and facilitate transition for future executive members.
Co-leading monthly mentor meetings

More about WUSC and WUSC Local Committe

Become a Mentor

Get to know a different culture first hand by working with a network of NU students who volunteer their time to help our international students adjust to life in Canada and at Nipissing University. Providing international students with a network of peer-support, opportunities to explore our city and province, and assisting in their campus integration, it is our student mentors that truly shape the experience of our students. Join the International Student Mentorship Program and help our international students feel right where they belong at NU.

International Student Mentors are responsible for the following:

Completing monthly communication form about their assigned mentee
Collaborating with other mentors to plan one event/ program per semester
Attending a monthly mentor meeting
Attending a mandatory training session
Attending other ISMP events throughout the year, to support your fellow mentors

Why become a mentor?

Imagine what it would be like arriving in a new country with no friends or family around to help ease your integration. International students, both full-time degree and exchange, will benefit greatly from your guidance and friendship through this program.

Our network of mentors consists of a group of NU students, who volunteer their time to help our new international students adjust to the different culture. The mentors are responsible for organizing trips, social events and activities, providing the international students with opportunities to build new friendships and enjoy the full experience of a new adventure.

In return, you will develop your intercultural skills, kindle new friendships, and increase your understanding of other people, places, and cultures. It is also a great way to make international connections, prepare your own journey abroad, or utilize the skills you learned while overseas.

Do I qualify?

Are you a Nipissing University student who:

Enjoys meeting new people
Learning about new cultures
Is an ambassador for Nipissing University
Willing to help familiarize students to our campus, community and Canadian culture
Enjoys having fun and building new friendships
Eager to meet people from other countries and cultures; accepting of different perspectives, values and beliefs
Willing to assist students in adjusting to campus life
Interested in program planning and leadership opportunities

What is the role of a mentor?

Click here to view the Mentor Position Description

How do I apply to be a mentor?

You will have to complete an application that is emailed out to all students on campus in second semester. Due to the high level of interest and limited spots available it is an application process and not a general sign-up. If you have any further questions, please contact ismp@nipissingu.ca

How do I become part of the executive team?

You can apply to be part of the executive team each year if you have been a mentor for at least one academic year. Please contact ismp@nipissingu.ca or speak to an executive team member or office staff for more information.

Will I have support?

You are part of large team of mentors that work together in collaboration along with an executive team and the professional staff in the International Initiatives Office. You are not in this position alone and we all work together to make the best experience for the mentors and international students.

You will also be provided with a handbook to help guide you.

Do I receive training?

Mentor training will be provided to all successful candidates. Training is mandatory to be a mentor and it takes place just prior to the first week of classes in September and in January.

↑