UConn’s Mentor Programs for International Students

It can be intimidating to arrive in the U.S. from your home country, or if you have already been studying in the U.S., to move to a different part of the country. You may encounter new languages, cultures, and customs. It can be helpful to connect with people to show you the way. Securing a mentor can serve this purpose.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is a person who provides guidance and sometimes emotional support. Typically, they have gone through similar experiences or challenges and can offer advice. There are different kinds of mentors – they can support both your personal and professional goals. Early in your college years, you may find that you connect with a mentor for multiple reasons. First, you may reach out to a mentor for emotional support to offer encouragement and validation, and secondly, to learn about American culture. As you advance in your academic years, you may transition to a mentor who can connect you with resources and people who potentially can assist in your career preparation.

Asian/Asian American Mentoring Program (AMP)

UConn has a mentoring organization on campus called the Asian/Asian American Mentoring Program. AMP’s mission is “to provide students in their first year on campus with support and resources to successfully adapt to the academic, co-curricular, personal, and social rigors of college, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to persist during the remainder of their college experience.” AMP connects international students with current Asian/Asian American students at UConn. Visit AMP’s Website Asian/Asian American Mentoring Program (AMP) to connect learn more about this program.

UConn’s Husky Mentor Network

The Center for Career Development offers the Husky Mentor Network, a platform where students can link up with UConn alumni & professionals for one-on-one career conversations. Discussions can include searching for a job or internship or learning about the industry which you plan to pursue. This is an excellent platform to begin networking with professionals in your career interest areas. Visit the Husky Mentor Network to connect with UConn alumni in the workforce.

For additional information about mentoring, visit the Center for Career Development’s International Student Affinity Page.

By Desiree Martino
Desiree Martino Career Coach | Pronouns she/her