ISS mentors & volunteers
Each semester, International Student Services (ISS) seeks and trains both local and international student mentors and volunteers to assist us with various programs and events.
Student mentors and volunteers are an integral part of our team. Together, we help minimise transition issues, increase academic opportunities and enrich the Melbourne Experience for new international students and their families.
Benefits of becoming an ISS mentor & volunteer
- Further develop your interpersonal and team work skills.
- Further develop your cross cultural communication skills.
- Opportunities to make a difference in reaching out and helping ISS maximise academic opportunities and enrich the Melbourne Experience for new international students and their families.
- Opportunities to meet and make friends with a lot of people from different countries around the world.
- Fulfill your personal satisfaction.
- Opportunities to share your experience to help new international students get settled and enjoy life in the University.
Current mentoring and volunteering opportunities
Pre-departure Briefings
The purpose of the Pre-departure briefings is to introduce new and prospective international students to life in campus and in Melbourne before their arrival. Student volunteers lead small group discussions with new students about life in Melbourne and may also be required to assist with administrative tasks.
Volunteers must:
- Be enrolled at The University of Melbourne for Semester 2 2008
- Have an interest in new students and their transition to study at The University of Melbourne
- Be in the relevant country at the time of the briefings as travel costs are not provided and available to assist.
- Available to attend one group interview session, and if successful, to attend a one hour training session.
Semester 2 2008 dates:
- Volunteers must be available to the Pre-Departure Briefing in the relevant country:
- Singapore: Saturday 28 June
- Kuala Lumpur: Sunday 29 June
- Bangkok: Sunday 29 June (To be confirmed)
- Group interview sessions 1.00-2.00pm on:
- Wednesday 21 May 2008, Alice Hoy 316
- Thursday 22 May 2008, 1-2 pm at Alice Hoy 210
Under ‘Reason to Volunteer’ section, please also state which interview session you can attend)
- Compulsory training will be held on the 28 or 29 May 1.00-2.00pm at Old Arts Theatre C.
Welcome Centre
The Welcome Centre is a place where all newly arrived students can come and ask questions, get directions, meet students and collect further information regarding enrolment, Orientation events and life in Melbourne. Student volunteers to assist in staffing the Centre.
Volunteers must:
- Be enrolled at The University of Melbourne for Semester 2, 2008
- Have an interest in new students and their transition to study at The University of Melbourne
- Be familiar with the services and facilities of the University
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, intercultural understanding & communication skills
- Be willing to assist with settlement issues
More details on Semester 2 2008 dates coming soon.
Twilight Student Cultural Tour Guides
The Twilight tour will be the campus tour with a difference. It is open to all students: local and international, undergraduate and postgraduate. The tour will include all things sculptural, architectural and cultural at the Parkville campus. We aim to introduce new students to the diverse creative and cultural highlights of the campus and provide an extra opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with their new environment and meet their fellow students. Student guides lead groups of students around campus, including the Potter and Union galleries.
Volunteers must:
- Be enrolled for semester 2 2008 (local, international, undergraduate, graduate – all welcome!)
- Be familiar with the Parkville campus and its services and facilities
- Be friendly and outgoing with good communications skills (you will be leading groups of 10-15 students)
- Have excellent intercultural understanding
More details on Semester 2 2008 dates coming soon.
Parent’s Cultural Tour Guide Assistants
The Parents tour takes parents of new international students around campus, demonstrating that the University is home to galleries and museums, with examples of fine architecture, outdoor sculptures and beautiful gardens. Student volunteers assist staff tour guides in sharing their perspectives on the campus and student experience.
Volunteers must:
- Be enrolled for semester 2 2008 (local, international, undergraduate, graduate – all welcome!)
- Be friendly and outgoing with good communications skills
More details on Semester 2 2008 dates coming soon.
Getting to Know Australians
The GTKA workshop is an important element of the Orientation program for new international students, and aims to give practical assistance on cultural and social topics associated with arriving to live and study in a new country. Participating in this session can be a great way to share your current knowledge of Australian culture and meet some different people from a diverse range of countries.
Volunteers must
- Be enrolled for semester 1 2008 (undergraduate or graduate students)
- Be interested in new students and their transition to University
- Have outstanding cross-cultural understanding and interpersonal skills
More details on Semester 2 2008 dates coming soon.
Focus Group interview
Focus Group interviews on particular topics of relevance to international student services are held periodically throughout the year.
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