This mentoring-program is dramatically helpful to me! It made my stay in Bielefeld perfect.
a Chinese student
The International Mentoring Programme contributed to my well-being at the university and in Bielefeld. Simply being able to talk to someone when I needed help was very convenient.
a Czech student
The International Mentoring Programme was founded at Bielefeld University in the Wintersemester of 1998/99. It was based on the idea of an Egyptian student who had experienced the difficulties of studying abroad. He wanted to develop a program which offers a one-on-one mentoring to international students. Next to the valueable experiences and great fun, studying abroad also brings along many challenges. Whoever has experienced this can most certainly agree: language barriers can lead to insecurity, and everything takes more time to do - gathering and understanding information, organizing one's studies, simple every day tasks and meeting new people. In other words: you might have trouble finding a flat or a job, taking notes during class, understanding the library system etc.. And when you're insecure, it can also be quite an effort to talk to strangers and make new friends - i.e. to simply feel at home. The International Mentoring Programme wants to support international students by finding a mentor who will help meet all these challenges.
When you leave your home country to study abroad, you don't only leave friends and family behind, but you also have to face new challenges. The International Mentoring Programme aims to give you support while you are getting settled at the University by giving you a mentor. A mentor is another student from Bielefeld University who will support you during your first semester and might even be able to give you advice before your arrival.
You can simply register online or stop by at our offices in D0-138.
Become a mentee and find your mentor!