Mentor Program
The Program
The Mentor Program sponsored by Macalester International Student Programs selects returning U.S. and international students to serve as mentors to incoming international students and domestic Ametrica participants. Students will meet their mentors during pre-orientation and will consult with them regularly throughout the semester. Mentors provide a student’s perspective on both academic and personal life at Macalester. Their job is to help international students feel comfortable at Macalester and answer their questions about policies and procedures related to life in the residence halls, campus facilities, registration and academic procedures, as well as questions about U.S. culture and off-campus opportunities in the Twin Cities Metro community.
Where in the World?
Where have the ISP mentors been all summer?
Where in the World?
Where have the ISP mentors been all summer?
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR
Note: Information about the mentor dean application will be sent to returning mentors directly.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE AS A MENTOR
As a mentor, you will each be directly responsible for approximately five students as well as aiding fellow mentors with their mentees in the Fall 2025. As students themselves, mentors can answer questions and give suggestions about life, culture and academics on and off campus. Mentors work closely with ISP staff to organize informational, cultural and educational discussions of interest for new students. Other expectations include acting as an information giver, tour guide, encourager, educator and learner.
The hours a mentor works per week vary depending on if whether you are involved with Ametrica facilitation. You can expect to work at least 5-9 hours a week between meeting every mentee in person, journaling, meeting with Luyen, Molly, or Britt and attending planning meetings. Some weeks may require more hours due to ISP or Ametrica events. Mentors are paid the current hourly rate for campus employment.
As a mentor you will be required to arrive in mid August for mentor training. Plan on being at Mac and available to work until school begins. Mentors will work until late October/early November. Because of this, you may need to find another on-campus job that does not interfere with mentoring. Remember that international students may not exceed 20 hours per week of employment, combining all of your jobs.
2025 Application Deadlines
No late submission is accepted at any point in the application
(Central Time)
- Step I – Interest Form Dec. 31, 2024 11:59 PM
- Step II – Application + Submit a Resume Jan. 22, 2025 11:59 PM
- Step III – Mentor Simulation Jan. 27 – Feb. 17, 2025
- Step IV – Additional Criteria Feb. 23, 2025 11:59 PM
UNDERSTANDING THE MENTOR APPLICATION STEPS
Below are the various mentor application steps. Each year, ISP receives many more applications than mentor positions available. We are very strict about deadlines so please note them. This is because we believe that applicants demonstrate responsibility by meeting deadlines, and because we receive far more applications each year than positions available. Decisions on choosing mentors will be made by the ISP Mentor Selection Committee. If you are not certain about an issue and if it could affect your eligibility, please check with Luyen, Britt, or Molly. Note, mentor deans (those who have mentored in the past) go through a different process than new mentors, please contact ISP for 2025 mentor dean positions.
To apply to be a new mentor, you must complete the following steps to be considered by the Selection Committee. We hope to notify accepted mentors of our decision around March 1, 2025.
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The interest form is the beginning of the application process to be a Fall 2025 ISP mentor. You MUST complete the Step I Interest Form to be eligible to receive the full written application, which is Step II of the application process. The Step II Application will only be sent to applicants who have completed Step I.
The interest form is due by 11:59 pm (CT) on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. No late interest forms will be accepted after the deadline.
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Online application is due by 11:59 pm (CT) on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. No late applications and late resumes will be accepted after the deadline.
Tip: We take note of which applicants complete this step early.
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This is a simulation of being a mentor that gives you the experience of what to expect, and gives ISP a better understanding of your ability to be responsible and follow through. The simulation will run from January 27 – February 17, 2025.
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The Selection Committee will review applications according to what degree applicants meet all application criteria. Aside from Steps I-III, additional criteria may be included; such as (the following is subject to change):
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- Obtain a U.S. permit/driver’s license and Macalester van certification (very important)
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- All van drivers must be a minimum age of 19, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, and complete the following: driving record check, classroom and video training, and a successful behind-the-wheel driving check. Email Facilities Services at [email protected] with questions.
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- Obtain a U.S. permit/driver’s license and Macalester van certification (very important)
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- Complete Bystander Intervention training
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- Complete a CPR training course
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- Complete a QPR training course
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- ISP advisory committee helping other offices, such as Health and Wellness Center
Email any additional application criteria to [email protected] with proof (picture of your permit etc.) by 11:59 pm (CT) on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
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MENTOR APPLICATION FAQ
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As a mentor, you will play a key role in welcoming new international students during the pre-orientation in August. You will be directly responsible for approximately four to six students and aid fellow mentors with their mentees in the fall semester. As students themselves, mentors can answer questions and give suggestions about life, culture, and academics on and off campus. Mentors work closely with ISP staff to organize informational, cultural, and educational discussions of interest for new students. Other expectations include acting as a resource connector, tour guide, encourager, educator and learner, contributing to a supportive and enriching experience.
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Each mentor will have about 4 to 6 mentees with a mix of incoming international and domestic students, some of whom will be in the Ametrica program. If you are assigned as an exchange student mentor, you will be working with students from exchange programs as well as transfer students.
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During the summer mentor training and PO4IS, you are expected to work full-time for approximately 30 hours per week. The hours a mentor works during the fall semester vary depending on whether you are involved with Ametrica facilitation. You can expect to work at least 5-9 hours a week between meeting every mentee in person, journaling, meeting with Luyen, Molly, or Britt and attending weekly planned meetings. Some weeks may require more hours due to ISP or Ametrica events.
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Prior experience is not required, but it is highly valued. We are looking for students who have experience in mentoring, cross-cultural interactions, or engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. That said, passion and enthusiasm are just as important! If you’re eager to learn and excited about supporting and connecting with international students, we provide comprehensive training to help you succeed in this role.
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Once you are selected as an ISP mentor for the fall semester, you will attend two key training sessions:
- A half-day Mentor Program Preview in the spring semester (unpaid).
- A week-long Mentor Training in August (paid) before the start of PO4IS.
All training sessions are conducted in person to provide hands-on learning and build team connections.
PO4IS, which stands for Pre-Orientation for International Students, is a program where mentors actively participate in welcoming and supporting new international students. Responsibilities include greeting students on arrival day, assisting with completing immigration documents, and facilitating introductions to their mentee groups. This is a crucial time for building connections and helping students feel at home.
*Note that during Mentor Training and PO4IS mentors are expected to work full-time, thus you should make sure there is no other job or activity that will interfere with this period.
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Absolutely! We welcome applications from both domestic and international students. This role is ideal for anyone seeking valuable experiences in areas such as cross-cultural communication, one-on-one mentoring, conflict management, leadership, event planning, networking, and more. We encourage you to apply if you’re passionate about building connections with the international student community and supporting others in a diverse environment.
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Mentors will work until late October/early November. Because of this, you may need to find another on/off-campus job that does not interfere with mentoring. Remember that international students may not exceed 20 hours per week of employment, combining all of your jobs.
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Returning mentors have the chance to take on leadership roles as mentor deans, where they will lead mentor squads and play a key role in organizing and coordinating activities. Mentor deans will also be actively involved in the selection and training of new mentors, providing guidance and support to help them succeed in their roles. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced mentors to expand their leadership skills and contribute to the growth of the mentoring program.
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Drivers at least 19 years of age with a valid license issued by a U.S. state may be eligible to take the van certification training and qualify to drive Macalester vans. ISP would appreciate it if mentors could get their U.S. driver’s licenses and become van certified as they can pick up new students from the airport and bring them to campus, as well as help with other activities that require transportation. Having a valid driver’s license may also be beneficial to you in your personal and future professional life. Van certification courses will be announced in Mac Daily by Facilities Services and/or ISP when available.
Meet our 2024 Mentors
Joanna Zeng (Class of 2024) is from Xiamen, China. She is a senior majoring in Anthropology and Media Cultural Studies with a passion in social work and public health field. Joanna enjoys traveling (to all museums and aquariums), baking, bouldering and spending time with nature and animals. She started working with the ISP in the summer of 2022.
Nibia Becerra Santillan (Class of 2025) is from Callao, Peru. She was born and raised in Peru, but finished high school in Arusha, Tanzania. She is a Biology and Statistics major, with an interest in environmental justice and conservation. Nibia loves dancing (especially Traditional Peruvian dances), journalling, spending time with loved ones, and trying new things. She looks forward to meeting new students through the mentorship program and as a program assistant at the ISP office.
Ko Horiuchi (Class of 2025) is from Tokyo, Japan, but has also lived in London, UK. He is a Psychology major who loves to play around with coding and spreadsheets. Ko enjoys playing the violin and is currently teaching himself the piano. He also likes drawing (sketches and watercolours) and taking photographs. He started working with the ISP in the summer of 2022.
Minseo Kim (Class of 2025) is a senior majoring in Economics and Religious Studies. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, but grew up in multiple states in America. She enjoys reading, watching television, and hanging out with friends and family in her free time. She also likes exploring cafes and walking around nature parks. She is so excited to meet everyone this fall and help her mentees adjust to their new life at Mac.
Putri Cahyudi (Class of 2025) is a senior from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Central Java, Indonesia. She’s a Political Science and International Studies major. During her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and going on walks. She’s looking forward to meeting everyone in the Fall!
Maya Harrison (Class of 2025) is a senior from Salem, Oregon. She is majoring in international studies and minoring in environmental studies and potentially Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys any outdoor activity (especially hiking), reading, cooking, traveling, and exploring new places with friends. She can’t wait to meet everyone in the fall and welcome the new students to Mac!
Albert Ahn (Class of 2025) grew up in Texas until his family moved to Busan, South Korea where he calls home now. He hopes his unique experience will best help both incoming international & domestic students. He is majoring in Neuroscience with a concentration in Community & Global Health. In the Mac community, he is a board member of Macalester First Aid. In his free time, he loves cycling, photography, work out in Leonard Center, playing basketball, cooking Korean food, playing card games.
Cynthia Zhang (Class of 2025) is a rising senior originally from Tianjin, China. She is double majoring in Economics and Statistics. She enjoys movies, music, traveling, doing handcrafts, and cooking. She also like exploring good restaurants and cafes. She is excited to get to know and support everyone!
Rana Rishmawi (Class of 2025) is from Bethlehem, Palestine. She is majoring in geology and statistics at Macalester. Rana is a musician, she plays the Qanun, a Middle Eastern instrument that has around 80 strings! She is a member of the Asian Music Ensemble at Macalester, where they play songs from all around Asia and especially the Middle East. Rana loves going on long walks, collecting cool rocks (geology major!!), as well as cooking and baking food from home.
Cindy (Taiyu) Yan (Class of 2025) is from Shanghai, China. She majors in psychology and minors in anthropology. A fun thing to note is she has a pet parrot. Her dream is to open a mental clinic and become a psychological counselor in the future. In her spare time, Cindy loves listening to music, singing karaoke, and reading. She is excited to meet you guys in the fall and help you to adapt to life in America and college life at Macalester.
Linh Nguyen (Class of 2026) is a junior majoring in Economics and International Studies, minoring in Mathematics. She is from Dak Lak – a major coffee producer of Vietnam so naturally, Linh loves coffee and likes to explore the cafe scene of St. Paul with friends. She also calls Singapore home where she attended high school. Linh enjoys reading, having conversations with friends on random topics, and walking around campus. Linh started working in the ISP in the spring of 2023.
Xander Hall (Class of 2026) is a Junior from Oslo, Norway, but also has ties to the US and UK. He is majoring in mathematics and economics, but is also passionate about environmental issues, hoping to focus his studies there. He loves learning new things, and will tell you all about them if you let him. Sports are a major interest, with Xander being on the club rugby, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee teams. Otherwise he loves reading, hiking, and board games, and would love to play some with incoming students!
Yosephine Manihuruk (Class of 2026) is originally from Riau, Indonesia but also calls Singapore home. She is double majoring in International Studies and Data Science, with a Political Science minor. She enjoys a lot of different things and adopts a new hobby every month. Recently, she got into rock climbing and bouldering. Previously, Muaythai. So, feel free to share your interest and hobby to her because she is always down to try new stuff. She looks forward to meeting and getting to know everyone as a mentor!
Beja Puškášová (Class of 2026) is a rising junior majoring in English, as well as Theater & Dance. She is an international student from the Czech Republic. She enjoys having UWC conversations at lunch, learning languages and playing with sticks. She also likes cooking, going out for boba and drawing. She is looking forward to meeting her mentees and helping them adjust to their new life at Mac.
Wenhao (William) Wu (Class of 2026) is a junior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in philosophy. He was born in China, Jiangsu, and lived in Shanghai for many years before coming to Macalester College. He likes to spend a lot of time on thinking, from individual to social problem. He is very glad to share his thoughts with everyone. What’s more, he loves music and playing penbeat. He is excited to meet the cohort of international students.
Nanami Chesen (Class of 2026) is a rising junior from Shizuoka, Japan majoring in International Studies with minors in anthropology and media and cultural studies. She grew up in Japan for the most part, but has also lived in the US given that her father is American. In her free time, Nanami enjoys cooking, exploring new places on random walks, playing sports, and spending time with friends. She loves getting to know new people and can’t wait to meet the incoming international students !!
Rosie (Yuqing) Bai (Class of 2026) is from Beijing, China. They are majoring in Environmental Studies (and perhaps Political Science) with minors in Biology and Dance. They love contemporary dance and hiking in the wilderness and wish to do wildlife conservation for their whole life. They are looking forward to meeting new students through the ISP mentorship program 😀
Tim Delventhal (Class of 2026) calls Yamhill County, Oregon home while having familial connections to the state of Thüringen, Germany. He is a Geography major and a Food, Agriculture, and Society concentrator. He will also probably be at least an English minor. Outside of class he enjoys biking, hiking, creative writing, philosophy, and varying degrees of success in teaching himself piano. He loves learning from people all around the world and is excited to welcome incoming mentees this fall.
Sophia Segura (Class of 2027) is originally from North Carolina, USA, but spent her final two years of high school in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is an International Studies major and English minor, and might do a concentration in Human Rights if she can finesse her schedule well enough. Outside of class you’ll find her strolling around Mac’s neighborhood, listening to music, and practicing her ice skating skills (she’s determined to learn before leaving Minnesota). She can’t wait to work as a mentor and is excited to meet everyone this fall!
Ivy Lin (Class of 2027) is from Chengdu, China. She is from the class of 2027 majoring in Chemistry with an emphasis on Biochemistry. She likes playing the piano and watching animation in the free time, and also likes singing with her friends. She is looking forward to making new friends as a mentor.
Rutendo (Rue) Musharu (Class of 2027) was born and raised in Zimbabwe and studied in New Mexico before joining Macalester’s class of 2027. She is a Biology major with a Community and Global Health concentration. Rue is passionate about spoken word poetry, winning the Midwest Poetry Mash-Up, and is part of the African Music Ensemble. She enjoys singing, watching funny movies, and helping others. Rue began working at ISP in spring 2024.
Lily Li (Class of 2027) is from Beijing, China. She is interested in social sciences and is also considering Economics as a second major. Lily is a big foodie who loves cooking, baking, and exploring different places to eat. In her free time, she likes to hangout with friends, doing cosplay. She also enjoys chatting with different people very much!
Anna Fratto (Class of 2027) is a rising sophomore planning to major in Economics. She grew up in Los Angeles California and still isn’t a fan of the snow. She is on the Program Board, and will tell you to come to all their events. Additionally, she is in choir and the Hegemonocle (satire magazine)! In her free time she loves spending time with friends and getting food. Anna’s excited to meet you all and continue exploring the area!
Winnie Shi (Class of 2027) grew up in Shanghai, China. They are a sophomore majoring in Data Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They are a huge fan of traveling and cooking with friends, and their go-to ice cream flavors are milk and matcha. Their biggest wish is to open a shop in the future, such as an ice cream shop, bookstore, or flower shop. Despite the diverse categories of shops, you can see that Winnie just wants to give themself a really loooooong holiday. They can’t wait to meet their new mentees to help their transition to college life!!!
Viktorie Spurná (Class of 2027) goes by Vik for easier pronunciation purposes. She is a rising sophmore, class of 27. Vik is from the greatest and coolest place on Earth- Prague, Czech Republic. She is a declared political science major and hopes to double major in international studies. Vik’s likes include: constantly reminding everyone that she went to UWC East Africa in Tanzania, Cafe Mac’s cream cheese danishes (do not knock it until you tried it) and writing about herself in third person. Vik’s dislikes: choosing a photo for her mentor bio.
Aries Wu (Class of 2027) is originally from Taiyuan, China, currently residing in the lively city of Suzhou, double majoring in International Studies and Philosophy. In her free time, Baorun loves to dance, with a particular passion for jazz and K-pop. She always eager to connect and share experiences, looks forward to meeting new people and enriching their journey through the intersection of intellect and artistry.