What is a Peer Mentor?
By definition, a mentor is an experienced or trusted advisor. International Peer Mentors serve as advocates for the international student community at the University of Oregon. We’re here to help and connect students to resources and people who will help them on their journeys to success!
A good mentor:
- Listens and communicates effectively
- Is motivated to help others and is committed to the role of mentor
- Is aware of personal boundaries
- Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality
- Sets aside personal judgments and limits personal views and opinions when necessary
- Asks for help when needed
A Mentor Will:
- Facilitate trust, openness, and empathy
- Accept people as they are
- Connect you to important resources
- Give support and encouragement
- Respect confidentiality
- Refer you to appropriate resources and services
- Introduce you to Eugene and the UO
- Help you become a successful student
A Mentor Will Not:
- Dominate the conversation
- Preach ideals, judge people or try to change them
- Tell people WHAT to do
- Give counseling advice on sensitive topics
- Put people down
- Attempt to fix students or assume that they need help
- Register students for classes or advise them on their academic plans