Would you like to share your experiences abroad? Strengthen your leadership skills? Then become a mentor!

The VIH Mentoring Program provides awardees entering the VIH Program with peer support as they prepare for experiential learning in terms of their international experiences and their CEEs. In addition, the Mentoring Program offers VIH alumna the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills by mentoring a member of the incoming cohort. Participating students complete nine one hour sessions that prepare the mentees for the spring retreat as well as for their international experience. Mentors review the Mentor’s PPT in preparation for the meeting with the mentee. Each Mentor’s PPT is comprised of three slides: learning objectives, facilitation tips, and take-aways. Together the mentors and mentee review the Mentoring Session PPT as well as any supplemental materials.

Mentoring has the potential for benefits on so many levels for all parties involved provided that clear cut expectations are established and there is open communication.

MENTOR'S PREPARATORY PPT MENTORING SESSION PPT SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Welcome to the VIH Mentoring Project Welcome to the VIH Mentoring Session 1 Get to know each other; Set expectations of mentoring My Cultural and Personal Identity My Cultural and Personal Identity Session 2 Define culture; Understand the difference between cultural and personal identity Stereotypes Stereotypes Session 3 Discuss how stereotyping can be harmful & understand the cycle of a stereotype Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Communication Session 4 Discuss non-verbal communication & interpersonal communication Goals & Action Plans Goals & Action Plans Session 5 Recognize why cultural immersion is important & create goals and action plans for achieving cultural immersion Culture Shock Culture Shock Session 6 Learn the four stages of culture shock and identify ways to cope with culture shock Volunteering & Service Volunteering & Service Session 7 Critically reflect on your personal views of service & prepare for the CEE Coffee Talk Coffee Talk 1 Session 8 Discuss the culture of your summer host country & what cultural knwoledge you still need to acquire Coffee Talk Coffee Talk & Debrief Session 9 Both mentors and mentees are welcome to Contact Us to give feedback or for support