International Students Mentoring Programme

International Students Mentoring Programme A pilot project to help international students enhance their university experience and part- time job opportunities through mentoring relationships with employers or other experienced international students Partnership between University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University and Edge Hill University

Programme rationale International students often face barriers to securing part-time work due to a lack of confidence, support networks and employers' perceptions of employing international students Many businesses also not aware of the capabilities and skills that international students have to offer to their organisation and the UK job market

Marketing the programme Publicity such as leaflets and posters distributed across the participating HEI careers services and international offices Information via International Students newsletter Targeted e-mail shots Talks in Careers Services and International Student Inductions New and existing business contacts for mentors University staff intranet and networks

Overview of programme Overview of participants Information & Networking Event Training Event Mentor- mentee meetings Celebration & Networking Event

Overview of mentee participants Almost 60 students from the participating universities received support from a mentor Majority in Yr 2 of an undergraduate degree Most popular degree disciplines- Engineering and Maths/Business related Almost 50% from China; other countries represented included India, Peru, Nigeria, Malaysia and Canada

Overview of mentor participants Mentors either: A local or regional employer- diverse sectors such as Education, Community Work Engineering, HR, Business and Tourism A member of university staff An experienced international student who may have worked part- time

Information & Networking Event Provided participants and potential participants with an opportunity to find out more about the programme Networking with other guests Included mentoring case studies and presentations

Training Event Covered guidelines and practical information to help participants establish effective mentoring partnerships. Topics included: Group discussions on hopes, fears and expectations of mentoring partnerships Positive and negative indicators of a mentoring partnership

Training Event Dealing with problems and issues during the mentoring process Practical information on numbers of meetings, where to meet, specific ways mentors can assist mentees and the framework/boundaries of the programme Other resources and networks of support available to mentors and mentees

Training Event Awareness of cultural issues (for mentors only): Formal approach of some international students Differences in body language Language and terminology Cultures vary from country to country

Mentor- mentee meetings Mentors and mentees had 2 (or more) meetings over a 2- month period Topics included: CVs and application forms Interview techniques Marketing yourself to employers Personal skills development Networking opportunities Work experience opportunities

Celebration & Networking Event Event to celebrate the participation of mentors and mentees Certificate presentation Speeches from a mentor and mentee on their experiences Networking and buffet

Student mentee experiences Outcomes of Training Event: Good introduction to the programme and preparation for mentor meetings “It gave me an overview of what to expect from the mentoring programme as well as keeping me informed with regards to the appropriate conduct I should have.” “It made me want to stay on the programme...”

Student mentee experiences Mentor- mentee meetings 68% of respondents had 2 or more meetings with their mentor E-mail communication developed in addition to face- to- face contact Most popular topic of discussion was CV development Other topics included language issues and student life in Liverpool

Student mentee experiences Mentor- mentee meetings 100% of respondents found mentor useful 94% felt better prepared to apply for jobs Key benefits from mentoring included: Improved interpersonal skills Increased self- confidence Development of new or enhanced CV Access to new contacts and networks Insight into mentor’s job/organisation

Student mentee experiences “I'm from China and I joined the mentoring programme with the expectation of enhancing my university experience and opportunities abroad. With the help of my friendly mentor I think I've improved my self-confidence and communication skills here in Liverpool since there are cultural differences with my home country. The mentor has been really willing to listen and share his own experience or ideas with me.” Mengchen (Kevin)Yang, University of Liverpool

Mentor experiences Outcomes of Training Event: Provided participants with basic foundation needed to be a mentor Developed understanding of role of mentor Enabled participants to provide practical help to mentee

Mentor experiences Topics discussed with mentee: Academic studies and life How to enhance university experience through extra- curricular activities Integration into the local community and UK Lack of contact with English students Opportunities to improve language skills Finding paid/unpaid work experience

Mentor experiences Benefits for mentors: Personal development and development of mentoring skills Gaining a better understanding of issues facing international students Sharing personal experience

Mentor experiences “Helped to underline the barriers cultural differences can place on international students finding employment e.g. UK employers value initiative and communication whereas Chinese culture values deference to authority and the best academic scores.” “I found it useful to talk to my mentee and listen to his concerns about employment and living in the UK.”

Good practice and recommendations For students- to be clear about the aims and objectives of scheme, what mentoring is and what it can and cannot offer to international students. Application process for students- to include goals and aspirations Ensure students are aware of the appropriate support services, information and resources regarding international students working in the UK Any such mentoring programmes to begin with training sessions for mentors and mentees so that all participants are fully prepared for roles

Good practice and recommendations Additional guidance and resources recommended for mentor’s training such as how to structure meetings Information on cultural issues facing international students should be provided for mentors Programme to run over a longer time period/to include further meetings More use of student mentors to research the impact and benefits of peer support

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