International Student Mentoring Program

Three UB students smiling with text that reads "International Student Mentoring Program".

Leaving behind family and friends to come to another country is a life-changing experience. The International Student Mentoring Program assists international students in overcoming these challenges.

About the Program

A joint initiative of ISS and UB’s Counseling Services, the ISMP provides social support for newly arrived international students and reduces their isolation. It also provides an avenue for international students to socialize with individuals outside their cultural group and to learn from students who have experience adapting to the U.S. and UB.

This program is currently on pause. We are looking forward to the return of the ISMP program in Fall 2022. Those interested in similar programs are welcome to register for the Spring Connections.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Cultural Partner?

The primary goal of the International Student Mentoring Program (ISMP) is to unite students. 

We aim to internationalize the UB campus, encourage a global mindset, and reduce the isolation felt by newly arrived international students. To achieve these goals, we need dedicated UB students and staff to serve as Cultural Partners for newly arrived international students. This program is open to both domestic and international community members. We are looking for people who:

  • Have an interest in learning about other cultures
  • Have a strong desire to help others
  • Are interested in showing people around UB and Buffalo
  • Are interested in sharing their home culture
  • Are undergraduates (junior or senior year), graduate students, UB staff members, or retired UB staff members

If you meet the qualifications above, please complete the application below. If you are chosen to participate, you will be informed via email. Additional program details are below:

  • Cultural Partners are paired with two newly arrived international students
  • All participants must attend a half-day training program held usually held on a Saturday at the beginning of the semester. (More information will be provided if you are chosen to participate.)
  • Cultural Partner groups are encouraged to meet once every 2-3 weeks for a minimum of one hour. The commitment is for one academic year
  • Regular group activities will be coordinated by International Student Services 
  • There will be an end of the year party to celebrate everyone's experience, receive certificates and give feedback on the program
  • Cultural Partners may have the opportunity in the Spring semester to add another student to their group

If you are interested, please complete our application by the semester deadline. For any questions, please contact ISS at iss@buffalo.edu.

If you are interested in applying to be a Cultural Partner, please complete the application here.