We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you personalised advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy

Skip to Content
University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo. University of Wollongong Australia. Logo.
  • Search
  • Give
  • Library
  • Current Students
  • Staff
  • UOW Global
    • Our global presence
    • UOW in Dubai
    • UOW in Hong Kong
    • UOW in Malaysia
  • Menu
  • Study at UOW

    • Courses
    • Apply
    • Scholarships & grants
    • Accommodation
    • High-school students
    • Non-school leavers
    • Postgraduate students
    • International students
    • Moving to Wollongong
    • Study abroad & exchange
    • Global sport programs
    • Campuses
    Study at UOW
  • Engage

    • Future student
    • Alumni
    • Visit UOW
    • Woolyungah Indigenous Centre
    • Volunteer
    • The Stand Magazine
    • Community Members
    • Grants and funding
    • Give to UOW
    • Visit the Library
    • Key contacts
    • Educators & school teachers
    Engage with us
  • About UOW

    • Welcome
    • Our people
    • Services
    • Contacts
    • What's on
    • Global presence
    • Media Centre
    • Faculties & schools
    • Our vision & strategy
    • Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy
    • Our reputation & experience
    • Locations, campuses & partners
    See more about UOW
  • Research

    • Our research
    • Researcher support
    • Research impact
    • Partnership & collaboration
    • Graduate Research School
    • Commercial research
    • Global Challenges
    • Media, news & events
    • Find an expert
    • Our people
    See more about research
  • Industry

    • Generator Lab
    • Advantage SME
    • Success stories
    • Industry research engagement
    • Equipment & Labs
    • Funding opportunities
    • Intellectual property
    • Collaboration for business
    • Collaboration for researchers
    See more about Industry
  • Alumni

    • Benefits
    • Outlook Magazine
    • Events & webinars
    • Volunteer
    • Awards
    • Honorary alumni
    • Testamurs & transcripts
    • Update your details
    • Your career journey
    • Contact us & FAQ
    See more about alumni
  • Quick links

    • Contact directory
    • Staff Intranet
    • Campus maps
    • Transport & parking
    • Key dates
    • Events
    • Password management
    • Jobs
    • Accommodation
    • Policy directory
  • Library
You are here More Pages
  • Home
  • About UOW
  • Media Centre
  • 2020
  • How mentoring programs are supporting international students

Media Quick Links

  • Contact UOW Media
  • Visiting campus
  • Image library
  • UOW key facts
  • Find an expert
  • News Corp subscription
  • Sign up for the latest news from UOW Media

May 29, 2020


  • Story By
  • Yogesh Bhatia
  • Photo By
  • Paul Jones
Share
Type
General News
Category
University
Tags
WollongongInternationalStudy Abroad

UOW in the News

How mentoring programs are supporting international students

Students share their experience of how mentors are supporting their academic journey


Being accepted into a foreign university is one of the best feelings for students starting their educational journey. It is a significant milestone for students willing to study abroad and explore a different part of the world. 

Studying at an international institution brings many opportunities for students to explore different cultures, try new cuisines, gain work experience and even to learn about their own culture through the eyes of someone else. 

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is home to 14,000 international students from over 90 countries. 

Every student has their own unique story and personal experiences to share while they are studying abroad. For instance, the time they made their first international friend or when they joined a sports society and represented the University. It might be when they won an award or learnt a new language. These experiences are as meaningful as their academic performances at the University. 

Sometimes, it can get a bit overwhelming for international students when there are so many opportunities available that students are not sure where to start or who to ask for help. It's quite natural for students to feel that way while they are adjusting to a new life. 

To support international students, UOW offers peer mentor networks to guide them to the right support services, to introduce them to new people to make friendships, and to keep them connected. The peer mentor networks are run by students for students to provide them with a better welcoming experience in Australia. 

Master of International Business student Heli Gandhi from India is in her first year, and it is her first time studying abroad. She joined the Business International Peer Mentor Network (BIPM) as a mentee when she arrived in Australia. 

She said being an international student and having no personal or professional networks was the reason she joined BIPM.

"The education system here is entirely different in comparison to my home country, so I found it very difficult to understand the ways and means of getting the tasks done correctly. So, I guess it took me more than half of the trimester to figure out everything. 

"Overall, this program is possibly the best help university could provide to international students seeking support and guidance," Ms Gandhi said. 

When asked about her mentor, she said her guidance made a significant difference to her journey. 

"I am glad to have enrolled in the student mentor program. I was assigned a mentor, and I will be very honest here, she is extremely helpful and possibly a greater friend than I could have ever imagined. 

"My mentor, she is adorable! I am glad we share a good bond! I have asked her almost all the possible questions from best places around the city, how to get a job, how to figure out referencing structures, weekend getaways, better housing options et cetera. Her guidance made a significant difference. Even during these times, she has been checking up on me on a regular basis, and this makes me feel good," she said. 

Ruby Blacka is a first year Bachelor of Commerce student and is currently a mentor at BIPM. She chose to become a mentor because she loved the idea that she could have a positive impact on someone. 

"I have international friends, and it makes me really glad that a program like this is available to them. I mentor 10 students at the moment; they are all from China, originally studying in Wollongong but are not able to come to Australia due to Covid-19. 

"A mentor can help in many different ways! We've been given heaps of resources, which equip us to help with many different situations in terms of pointing mentees in the right direction and taking steps to get help. A mentor can also just be a friend - someone to chat with, have a rant about how busy uni is, etc. We get it because we're going through the same stuff," she said. 

Harsh Raichura, a second year Master of Professional Accounting student, has been mentoring international students for the past three trimesters. He said sharing his academic and personal experiences with students inspire him to make a difference in their lives. 

"The academic concerns of students revolve around the assignment the most, as it is a completely new experience for them. Moreover, they are keen to know about how to get their tutorial enrolments in place at the right time and preparation of midsession and final exams. After close observation, I could understand that international students are more stressed for their exams and assignments," Mr Raichura said.  

Harsh decided to become a mentor to make a positive influence on students’ life and pass on his knowledge when they need the most.

“In a lifetime we come across through many people, what matters is what impact you create into their minds, how positively you use your resources in helping them -  and that’s exactly what I am doing in this role -  helping peers, building lasting relationships and creating a positive impact that would always be valued, that’s THE IMPACT.”

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at UOW also runs a mentor program for students. More information can be found here: https://www.uow.edu.au/student/uowx/get-involved/uowx-activities/eis-international-student-mentor.php 

About Business International Peer Mentor Network:

The program involves mentors and their mentees meeting on campus throughout the session and catching up over a coffee The program partners experienced business students with international students, usually in their first session or trimester of study, to help them transition into studying at UOW. Mentors receive UOWx credits for their contribution towards BIPM. Currently the program has transitioned its student mentor program to the online world, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and students connect via online channels such as WhatsApp, Messenger or WeChat to keep in touch. 

The expressions of interest for mentees and mentors are now open for T3 and spring sessions, and students can apply here: https://www.uow.edu.au/business/current-students/student-resources/business-international-peer-mentoring/

Media Contacts for this article

UOW Media Office

You may also be interested in

UOW changing the game with appointment of new Dean of Sport
UOW VC joins the Hon Jason Clare on a Ministerial visit to India
Molecular Horizons accepts donation from the Michael Tynan Challenge
Services & Help
  • Current students
  • Library
  • Information technology
  • Accommodation
  • Security & safety
  • Pool, gym & retail
News, Media & Events
  • Media Centre
  • The Stand
  • Alumni Magazine
  • Research news
  • Events
  • Find an expert
Faculties
  • Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Business & Law
  • Engineering & Information Sciences
  • Science, Medicine & Health
Administration
  • Graduation
  • Environment
  • Policy directory
  • Learning and teaching
  • Financial Services
  • Access to information
  • Jobs
UOW Entities
  • Innovation Campus
  • UOW College Australia
  • UOW College Hong Kong
  • UOW in Dubai
  • UOW Global Enterprises
  • UOW Malaysia KDU
  • UOW Pulse
Connect with us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Conversation
  • Contact us
  • Feedback
  • Give to UOW

Northfields Ave Wollongong,  NSW 2522  Australia 
Phone: 1300 367 869 
International: +61 2 4221 3218 
Switchboard: +61 2 4221 3555

  • NUW Alliance: Smarter Solutions for NSW
  • University Global Partnership Network (UGPN)
  • Reconciliation Australia
  • AWEI LGBTQ inclusion awards logo

Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag

On the lands that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands.

Copyright © 2023 University of Wollongong
CRICOS Provider No: 00102E | TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12062 | ABN: 61 060 567 686
Copyright & disclaimer | Privacy & cookie usage | Web Accessibility Statement

Close