What is a peer mentor?
A peer mentor is a student who has studied abroad sometime during his/her academic career at RIT, and wishes to extend their experience by helping bring “the word” to other RIT students.
Why be a peer mentor?
There are a number of reasons to be a peer mentor. The first reason is simply because you had a great time when you studied abroad, and you want to help persuade and educate other students to go abroad and have a similar experiences. You know the challenges and questions from the perspective of the student. Maybe you have some advice on how to approach your advisor about courses, or maybe you have some tips on traveling and want to give students helpful hints. Or possibly (and we hope so!) your program went really smoothly, and you just want to spread the word.
Secondly, being a peer mentor can be fun. Study abroad likes to do multiple events throughout the year to generate interest and create exposure to the study abroad programs available, and we’re always looking for new, creative ideas. Of course, we also need enthusiastic people to head-up the organization, planning, and execution of events. Being a peer mentor also gives you the chance to hang out and talk with others who have studied abroad and hear their stories and expriences.
Third, although studying abroad is already an excellent thing to have on your resume, think about how much more impressive it would be to show that you went above and beyond by volunteering to be a peer mentor. At times the study abroad office does special projects or research that you can assist with. This is another opportunity to expand your resume and portfolio of leadership and job skills.
Finally, there are many other small perks to being an active or executive mentor and we like to reward your hard work and dedication. This might be food, fun “thank-you” events, a cool t-shirt and graduation sash.
Overall, being in the Peer Mentor program at any level is about sharing your expriences, being a leader in the RIT community, and giving back so others can learn and experience what it is like to study abroad at RIT!
Being a peer mentor is what you make of it!
What do I have to do?
Being a peer mentor doesn’t mean that you have to give all your time to study abroad, but we do prefer people who can attend meetings or events regularly. Of course, we understand that school comes first and we’re willing to be flexible and ensure that you have the opportunity to participate according to your schedule!
A peer mentor can choose different levels of involvement. If you’re not interested in doing events, but would still like to offer to talk to students, then you can choose the “passive” level of peer mentoring. This involves agreeing to allow prospective study abroad students to contact you with their questions about study abroad. You are expected to respond to their emails in a timely manner.
The second level of involvement is the “active” level of peer mentoring. As an active mentor, you’ll be responsible not only for the responsibilities of the “passive” level, but also for regular participation in meetings and events. You would be expected to attend quarterly peer mentor meetings, participate in a sub-committee and help out at a few events per quarter that are hosted by study abroad.
The third level of involvement is the “executive” level of peer mentoring. This is an opportunity to truly expand your leadership and involvement in the RIT community. You are expected to attend all of the quarterly meetings, lead a sub-committe by ensuring that goals are being met and the group is making an effort to accomplish duties. We also ask that you volunteer at a few events each quarter. This level does take a bit more time but it definitely has its benefits!
Quarterly meetings are generally an hour or less. Occasionally there will be a special meeting before a big event or meetings set up by executive Peer Mentors for sub-committees. Events could range from distributing fliers or sitting at promotional tables all the way to something like the Study Abroad Fair, Coffee Chats, Passport Drive, contests, and more!
How do I become a peer mentor?
If being a peer mentor sounds like something you’d enjoy, please send an email to the Study Abroad Grad Assistant at goabroad@rit.edu or visit the GA in the study abroad office Building 13: Room 1316. The GA will want to know about your availability and which level of mentoring you’re interested in.
