INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MENTOR PROGRAM

In Semester 2, 2005 the International Student Support Office piloted its first mentor program for international students. The idea of the program was to help with the new international student's transition to college life and life in Western Australia. The program was initially to run for the first four (4) weeks of semester, however due the overwhelming success of the program has continued with current mentors numbering thirteen across the campuses. 

As we were unable to pay the mentors for their time spent in the program we rely on sponsorship from various companies. 

Medibank Private donated funds to the college to put towards the program. Shirts were provided for each mentor. The shirts included the Challenger TAFE and Medibank Private logos and the word ‘Mentor” printed on them, so that mentors could be easily identified at orientation and other events by the students. Each mentor was given a mentor bag with products from our sponsors and an information pack on "being a mentor".

Worldcare Assist provided “gifts” to the mentors such as lanyards, pens etc.

Mentors are chosen after completing an application process, where they were selected for the program based on their life experience, skills and social demeanor.

Mentors are provided with a mentoring guide, and this explains visa requirements for international students, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), course payments, student coordinator contact details.

Our mentors attend orientation day whereby they are introduced to some of the new international students, assist with the registration process and are on hand to answer any questions. Students are able to meet their mentors and exchange telephone numbers and make that important initial contact to try and establish a relationship with the mentors.

Mentors provide the student coordinators with feedback on students experiencing difficulty with their studies and transition to college life. If a student requires any assistance every effort is made to match mentors with students from their study area or campus location.

At our international student graduations we recognise our mentors for their wonderful efforts and support by awarding each of them with an Attendance Certificate for the program and a reference for service to the college within the program.

We are working hard to improve the program with the support and advice of recent mentors and also students.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor and participating in the program please e-mail international.students@challengertafe.wa.edu.au or download the application form below.

 Mentor application form (PDF) (143kb)

 Provider Code: 00020G