PSWmentoring

The PSW International Student Mentoring program is a peer mentoring program aimed at helping first year international students (mentees) who are enrolled in the School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy (PSW) to settle into living in Adelaide, and University life. The mentors (current PSW students) will provide support and advice to mentees and they understand the cultural challenges as new comers to Australia.

The Program

• The program is a 5-week long program
• Mentees - new EAL 'English as a Second Language' students can opt in to the program by registering below. We recommended that all new International students register as a mentee
• Mentors and mentees are expected to commit to a maximum of 3 hours per week which may include some informative sessions delivered by guest speakers. These sessions will take place on Fridays during the study period  
• Further details about the program can be found in the Mentoring Handbook (to be released in early January).

Who is a Mentor?

The mentors will draw on their experience and knowledge as current UniSA-PSW students to provide social support and assistance to their designated mentees. The mentors are required to complete training before they commence their role as a mentor. A mentor may need to obtain a current DHS (Department of Human Services) clearance (we can assist you to obtain one if needed).

Who Can be a Mentor?

Any current student in the School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy (PSW) who:

• has successfully completed 1 year of study  
• can demonstrate good communication skills, empathy and are keen to support fellow students in having the best experience at the university
• can commit 3 hr per week for the entire length of the program
• understand the challenges of being a new student in PSW
• understands & respects cultural differences

Benefits

• Increase and enhance employability skills

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Opportunity to be a Senior Mentor (subject to selection) in next iteration of the project and take substantial responsibility in managing the program
• Recommendation on LinkedIn profile upon request
• Certificate in recognition of successful completion of the training and participation in the program
• Contribution towards the UniSA+ Program.
• Personal satisfaction of knowing you have helped a new student
• Opportunity to share knowledge and experience with fellow students

Who is a Mentee?

A mentee is a newly enrolled EAL studentsinternational student in The School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy (PSW) who has register for the program. A mentee can be either a Bachelor or Masters level student. It is highly recommended that all the new International PSW students register for the program and take the opportunity to have the best possible start in their degrees.

Benefits

• Opportunity to get your queries answered promptly by your mentor
• Meet new people and make new friends
• Increased cultural awareness and communication skills
• Increased self-awareness
• Develop networks
• Better understand your courses, degree and the University as a whole
• Opportunity to meet with representatives from various human service agencies to help prepare you for your placement course
• Develop a sense of a professional identity
• Assistance in understanding general academic issues - provided by experienced senior PSW students (though mentees should not expect course content or assessment specific advice)
• Opportunity to learn from guest speakers on different important aspects of University life. The previous progam schedule provides insight into the types of activities run and can be viewed here.

Contact Sophie Diamandi for further information or if unsure of your eligibility for the program.

Click on the appropriate tab below if you want to join the program.

Become a mentor

Register as a Mentee