Global Redbirds MAP

The Global Redbirds Mentorship Adjustment Program (MAP) focuses on connecting newly-arrived international students with established international and domestic ISU students that have spent at least a full academic year on campus. The program is structured in a way that helps international students facilitate a smooth adjustment into the Illinois State University community. This assimilation can lead to creating new friendships and increasing cultural awareness, which is recognized as one of the necessary skills needed for students to succeed post-graduation.

Process

The program runs on a semester-by-semester basis and each semester is different based on the number of international students arriving and the number of mentor volunteers.

The mentor/mentee matching process is based on field of study, shared interests, and any specific requests that an incoming international student may have.

Mentors and mentees are required to meet 3 times per month for at least a one-hour long activity. However, interactions are meant to beinformal and we encourage the activities to include bike rides, getting coffee, study sessions, campus events, etc. The mentors are required to submit a monthly online form to keep track of the mentor/mentee activities that have taken place.

Goals

• To increase international students’ familiarity with American culture and provide them with a support system.
• To provide unique opportunities for mentors and mentees to interact and educate each other about their cultures, countries, perspectives and their life experiences.
• To increase international exposure of domestic students and members of the campus community.

Benefits for Mentors

• Great resume building opportunity
• Developing an international perspective
• May satisfy certain class requirements (i.e International business)
• Creating global friendships
• Global Redbirds MAP training and certification
• Free tickets to events, ISU swag, and prizes

Benefits for Mentees

• Developing an international perspective
• Creating global friendships
• Learning about the campus and community
• Free tickets to events