International Student Mentor Program

International Student Mentor Program Overview

PSU offers a unique pre-arrival connection with a peer for all new international students. Our mentoring program is an integral part of our commitment to support international students before they arrive and during their adjustment to PSU.

Program Goals

Reach out to incoming international students that have been admitted to Portland State University to provide information and assistance with questions or concerns.
Assist new international students in the transition from their respective countries to our university.
Enhance the international student experience at Portland State University through personal interaction in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

What's it like to be an international student mentor? Watch the video below to hear from some of our current mentors!

Two mentors standing side by side at the ISMP Summer Retreat

Criteria for Becoming a Mentor

We are seeking mentors to assist newly admitted international students' transition to life in Portland and PSU. Applicants can be from any cultural background, department, and all education levels. View the full position description for the 2024 - 2025 academic year.

View the Position Description

Mentor Cohort at the beach during the mentor retreat.

Apply to Become a Mentor

The application for the 2024 - 2025 academic year is now open! Applications close on Sunday, February 4th, 2024.

Apply to Become a Mentor!

Student smiles as they hold certificate next to the teacher in front of a classroom.

Criteria for Becoming a Mentor Leader

Mentor Leaders will lead new mentor groups as well as take on specific leadership roles that are separate from the regular requirements of the ISMP. This is a great opportunity for returning mentors to gain new experience and develop valuable presentation and planning skills.

Criteria for Mentor Leaders

International Student Orientation 2019 Group Photo

Apply to Become a Mentor Leader

The Mentor Leader application for the 2024 - 2025 academic year is now open! Applications close on Sunday, February 4th, 2024.

Become a Mentor Leader!

Mentoring team at the ISMP retreat Summer 2023.

Woman stands in front of white board leading a training.

Jill Townley leading ISMP training

Mentors participating in an activity at the ISMP summer retreat

Mentors participating in an group activity at the ISMP summer retreat 2019

Mentors enjoy free time at the IMSP Retreat

Mentors enjoying free time at the ISMP Retreat 2019

Mentors participate in training Summer 2019

Group photo of students posing for photo outside

Mentors enjoying the ISMP Retreat at the beach!

ISMP Summer Training 2017

Mentors volunteering at the Free Food Market

Mentors volunteering at the PSU Free Food Market 2019

Group photo of mentors at international student orientation

International Student Mentors at the International Student Orientation 2019

Mentor leading a group at International Student Orientation

ISMP mentor leader Ian leading his group of graduate students at International Student Orientation 2019

Mentors connect with new students at the Mid-term check-in Fall 2019

Large group of mentors standing together looking at at the camera for a photo.

Mentors at our final gathering 2023

Group photo of mentors at the OIS Halloween Party

Mentors at the Organization of International Student Halloween Party 2017

Group photo at the ISMP Retreat 2018

Four student stand at the front of the classroom presenting together.

Four mentors present together during an ISMP training.

Nine students at a sports event looking at the camera for a group photo.

Mentors and new students attend a campus event together 2023.

International student mentors stand together for a group photo during orientation.

Mentors at Fall orientation 2018.

A small group of mentors stand outside looking at the camera for group photo.

Mentors at the coast retreat 2023.

Three people sit in a canoe on a lake posing for the camera.

Mentors enjoy canoeing at our coast retreat Summer 2023.

Mentors at the coast retreat Summer 2019.

For questions regarding the International Student Mentor Program or application please contact the International Student Life Team at intl-newstudents@pdx.edu