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Centre for International Experience

iConnect Mentorship Program


MENTEE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
 
If you are starting at U of T in the fall 2013 as a new international student,
apply today to join iConnect.
 

What is iConnect?


The iConnect International Mentorship Program assists new U of T international students in their academic and cultural transition to University, to Toronto and to Canada. This student-led mentorship program runs workshops and social events for new students to meet others in a welcoming community.  This program is available to degree-seeking students on the St. George Campus only.  For opportunities for exchange students or students at UTM and UTSC, please check out our other international mentorship programs.

iConnect mentors and mentees meet monthly in-person and in small groups. These essential check-in meetings for mentees help them connect with others and with helpful U of T offices. Some partners go for walks through Toronto, try skating, go for coffee, share a meal, attend free U of T events, watch varsity sports or hang out in one of our many great U of T open spaces.

iConnect brings together culturally aware students from the St. George campus — like you — who build a dynamic community that welcomes international students from around the world. By getting involved, you will have opportunities to reflect on your own cultural identity and expand your global perspectives.

iConnect runs from June to March each year. During the summer months, mentors support and chat with their new mentees online. From September to March, mentees meet with their mentors in-person and participate in social events and workshops.

There are three ways to be involved with CIE’s iConnect International Mentorship Program. Find out which level of participation is right for you:

  1. iConnect Mentee: for new U of T International Students who wish to have a mentor assist and guide them during their transition to the University, Toronto, and Canada;
  2. iConnect Mentor: for beginning U of T student mentors who wish to volunteer to help new international students and want to build their own global understanding and mentorship skills; and
  3. iConnect Leader: for students with mentorship and leadership experiences who wish to enhance their skills, strengthen their cross-cultural skills, and support iConnect mentors; this position receives an honorarium.

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iConnect Mentee

Studying at a new university can be a very big change in your life. Moving to a new city and country as well? Wow! That’s a really big change! iConnect is here to help.


What is iConnect?

iConnect is a mentorship program that will support you during your first year in Canada and at U of T. iConnect will match you with an upper-year U of T student mentor. She/he will be a guide who supports you during your first year. iConnect is an intercultural mentorship program. This means that you will be matched (where possible) with a mentor from a different country and who speaks different languages.

 

What do we do in iConnect?

As an example, last year, members went to Niagara Falls, learned to skate, attended a stress-management workshop, toured around campus, met for dinner, sang karaoke, and celebrated the year at a final fancy party. In addition to these sorts of activities, this year we will focus our programming on increasing cross-cultural conversations and experiences.

 

What will I do as a mentee?

As equal partners, you and your mentor are both expected to initiate communication and make time for your in-person meetings. We also look forward to you attending and being involved at the social events. We hope that your mentor will be someone you feel comfortable talking to. They may be someone you can learn from and ask questions. In return, you will be asked to share your experiences and stories.

 

When does the program start?

iConnect mentors are ready to support you right now, online, before you arrive in Toronto.  This way you will have at least one friendly person you will know at the University of Toronto when you arrive! Between September 2013 and March 2014, you will be attending iConnect meetings, social events and workshops.

 

How much time is required?

Mentees will spend approximately 12 hours each month hanging-out with fellow iConnect friends at social events and workshops, and meeting with their mentors.

 

How can I apply?

If you are…

  • a new international graduate or undergraduate student starting in September 2013;
  • a St. George Campus student; and
  • a degree-seeking (non-exchange) student who moved to Canada recently;

or if you are

  •   a new transfer student from a country outside of Canada

…you are eligible to apply. We are now accepting mentee applications.

 

Here is how:

        1. Complete all the fields in this application form - it will take about 15-20 minutes to 
              fill in.

        2. Save your application as a Microsoft Word document

        3. Email it to: Erika Bailey, iConnect Program coordinator

 

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iConnect Mentor

Are you:

  • an undergraduate or graduate student at the St. George campus;
  • entering your 2nd year or more of study at U of T in September 2013;
  • want to make a positive impact on new international students’ experiences;
  • wishing to develop key mentorship skills; and
  • curious about meeting people from around the world?

As a mentor, you will support newly arrived students during their unique cultural transitions. You will enhance your international perspectives, cross-cultural and communication skills, and help promote diversity and inclusion by directly supporting your mentees.

Previous mentoring experience is an asset, but not required. Mentors are directly supported by an iConnect leader.

All mentors must be able to attend:

  • Pre-summer training on April 19 or May 2, 2013
  • August Mentor-Leader Orientation and Training on August 21, 2013
  • iConnect 2013 Meet-and-Greet Porch Social on September 12, 2013

Ready to apply? Here’s how:


Applications are now closed for iConnect 2013-14 Mentors and Leaders.


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iConnect Leader

Are you:

  • an undergraduate or graduate student at the St. George campus;
  • entering your 3rd year or more of study at U of T St. George in September 2013;
  • have previous leadership experience;
  • are engaged in the U of T community;
  • want to impact and shape a vibrant international community, making a positive impact on new international students’ experiences; and
  • curious about meeting people from around the world?

As a leader, you will enhance your community programming and leadership skills, strengthen your cross-cultural skills, and provide vital support to iConnect mentors. In addition, all leaders will work closely with the iConnect staff and as a team together through regular meetings and in close communication with one another. Leaders do receive an honorarium for their contributions to the program.

Interested students will apply for one of the following leadership roles:

Previous mentoring and leadership experience is an asset. Leaders are directly supported by the iConnect team at CIE.

All leaders must be able to attend:

  • Pre-summer training on April 19 or May 2, 2013
  • August Mentor-Leader Orientation and Training on August 21, 2013
  • iConnect 2013 Meet-and-Greet Porch Social on September 12, 2013
  • Leaders must also organize two group meetings with mentors plus their mentees

Ready to apply? Here’s how:


Applications are now closed for iConnect 2013-14 Mentors and Leaders.


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Other International Mentorship Programs

Are you an incoming international exchange student at the University of Toronto St. George Campus? Great! Welcome! We have set up the Exchange Students’ Network (ESN) just for you! For more information, please contact Marco Adamovic, ESN coordinator.

Are you a new international student at the University of Toronto at Mississauga? Congratulations – it’s such a great place! Please contact our colleagues at the UTM International Centre for more information.

Are you a new international student at the University of Toronto at Scarborough? Fantastic – you are going to love it! Please contact our colleagues at the UTSC International Student Centre for more information.


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