What is the International Student Mentorship Programme?
The International Student Mentorship Programme is a volunteer peer-mentor programme in which new international students (known as “mentees”) are connected with current FNU students (known as “mentors”) who volunteer their time to help mentees settle into the University and life in Fiji.
The mentors are a mix of local and international students who are trained to provide ongoing social support, assistance and guidance through one-on-one meetings and social activities (coffee meetings, shopping, study sessions, etc.) throughout the mentee’s first semester. Their goal is to support their mentees to succeed at FNU.
How it works
Each mentor is assigned a mentee to support their transition into the university, which ultimately aids them to succeed at FNU. The mentees meet their mentor during the orientation week at the start of the semester. After that, they meet at least three times within the first three weeks of the semester and as needed during the semester. The student pairs are encouraged to continue to check-in with each other every month by email and in-person throughout the semester.
Who can join?
Mentees: New international students in the first semester of their undergraduate programme.
Mentors: FNU students in either an undergraduate or a graduate programme who have attended the university for at least one semester. Check the “How do you become a Mentor?” section below to learn more about how to volunteer to be a mentor.
Why join?
Mentees (new international students): This programme is a wonderful way to meet other students and learn about FNU’s services and resources from someone familiar with FNU.
Mentors: This is a tremendous opportunity to gain leadership, intercultural communication skills and volunteer experience. This will also be a chance to experience rich cultural diversity, meet new people and have fun!
Student Testimonials
Student mentorship empowers Timor Leste student
When Ana Paula Salgado left her country to pursue her studies in a country almost six thousand kilometres from her homeland, she was gratified to be joining an institution that has provisions for international students like her. Salgado is a first-year student at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (FNU) studying towards a Bachelor of Oral Health programme.
“I found out about the mentorship programme through the university’s website. I was pleased to know that I will not have to struggle to adapt to the new environment,” she said.
“The mentors for the international student programme at FNU are very enthusiastic, helpful and patient. They are very responsive. I really appreciate their effort and assistance,” highlighted Salgado.
A dental assistant by profession, Salgado is a recipient of the “Rotary Timor Leste Dental Programme” scholarship.
The 29-year-old student said the International Student Mentorship programme at FNU has also helped her make new friends.
“Through this programme, I have managed to meet and greet and socialise with my peers,” she said smilingly.
“My advice to the future international students at the Fiji National University is, be inquisitive, and ready to learn and explore. You will receive so much support from your peers through various mentorship programmes to achieve your goals.”
Mentorship helps unlock a student’s potential
“Mentorship has always been very valuable to students. It equips them with the skills they require to excel in their academic life,” said FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) student, Nausheen Buksh.
The third-year Bachelor in Medical Lab Science student passionately assists incoming students to adapt to the university as well as the Fijian lifestyle.
Buksh currently provides mentorship to Timor Leste student, Ana Paula Salgado.
“I like helping people and learning about other cultures and this is the perfect opportunity for me to do both,” said Buksh.
“My mentee, Ana, who is always eager to know more, is a quick learner. I assist her to cope up with her studies since she had missed two weeks of classes,” added the student mentor. Buksh highlighted that the best part about the International Student Mentorship programme is the little effort it requires.
“It’s just like making new friends and helping them out with whatever they need help with,” she said.
‘Happy to help’ – Kumar
FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) student, Pallawish Kumar, who is pursuing his studies in Higher Education Diploma in Human Resources and Industrial Relations, believes mentorship is rewarding whether the student is on a giving or receiving end.
“Seeing your mentee succeed as a result of your input is a reward itself,” he explained.
“It gives me a personal sense of satisfaction when assisting students whether local or international, who require help. Mentorship has helped me learn, grow and improve my skills in many ways,” said Kumar.
The young mentor has encouraged other students to join the mentorship programme.
How do you become a Mentor?
Mentor commitment involves continued communication with the new student through email, monthly meetings, and optional social activities. The programme duration is one semester, but mentors are invited to continue their participation for additional semesters. Each semester, mentors will be matched with new mentees.
The selection of mentors will be based on merit, availability, and and submission of Become a Mentor Application form. Application for S1, 2025 Mentor position will open from TBC.
To be eligible to apply, you must satisfy the following criteria:
Read a detailed description of competencies in the peer mentor position description.
If you have any questions about the peer mentor position, please contact flteo@fnu.ac.fj
How do you become a Mentee?
Please submit the Request a Mentor application form if you will be a new FNU international student in the upcoming semester, and you would like to be matched with a peer mentor for your first semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time do I need to commit to the programme and my mentor/mentee?
Firstly, as a mentor, you must attend the training session, ‘meet and greet’ session and other meetings held by the coordinator. You can spend an hour with your mentor/mentee for each session in the first 3 weeks of the semester. During the semester, it is as per need basis, whereupon you can liaise with your mentees.
2. What if I am unable to attend an event or meeting?
You can contact the coordinator or mentee a day in advance and inform them.
3. How are incoming mentees paired with mentors?
As part of the application process, we ask all mentors and mentees what qualities would be important to them in a mentor/mentee pairing. Some mentors/mentees request to be paired based on cultural, geographical, or linguistic similarities, while others prefer to be paired together based on shared academic or personal interests. We then do our best to pair prospective mentors and mentees together using this information.
4. What do I do if my mentor or mentee is unresponsive or decides to no longer participate in the programme?
We understand that there are often unforeseen circumstances that may cause students to withdraw from the programme. If this happens, please email Ferine at flteo@fnu.ac.fj
5. How will this programme benefit me as a mentor?
You will get a professional reference and a certificate of appreciation, together with developing professional skills and experience and gain an international network.
6. What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Please feel free to email Ferine at flteo@fnu.ac.fj