Global peer mentoring
Enhance your leadership skills, broaden your global perspective, and support new students through the Global Connections mentoring program.
Global Connections is a series of programs focused on intercultural mentorship and leadership. The programs are open to all students, but tailored to international students. By joining, you’ll get to practice global citizenship right here at UNSW and make our community even more connected and inclusive!
See also
Become a global citizen and make an impact!
Joining the program is an opportunity to grow as a global citizen, developing cultural awareness and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives in a socially responsible way. Through hands-on experiences, you’ll enhance your professional skills while contributing to a welcoming and supportive community at UNSW. This program allows you to connect with like-minded peers and make a meaningful impact.
As a volunteer in the program, you can choose to either:
Meet with fellow international students starting our at UNSW and navigate university together.
Improve your English skills and confidence by participating in workshops led by an experienced facilitator.
Join a casual language learning group to boost your confidence and practice a language of your choice.
or you can volunteer for multiple roles from these options.
- Cultural Mentoring
- Let's CommUNIcate!
- Language Exchange Program
Support new international students and develop your skills
About the program
Cultural Mentoring provide guidance and support to new international students, helping them adjust to university life. Mentors receive training to develop key skills in communication, leadership, and organisation while creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
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As a Mentee, you will:
- Make meaningful connections, participate in social events, and contribute to a positive student experience at UNSW
- Transition easier to University with an experienced Student Mentor as your guide
- Have the opportunities to practice your oral English through regular 1:1 time with your Mentor
- Meet other international students, either from the same or different countries, online and on campus.
As a Mentor, you will:
- Become the first point of contact for incoming international students, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported within the UNSW community
- Lead mentoring sessions with your mentee(s) and share with them your experience studying at UNSW and living in Sydney
- Collaborate with UNSW to support events designed for students from diverse backgrounds
- Organise and facilitate social activities among other Cultural Mentors and mentees.
Build confidence in English communication
About the program
Let’s CommUNIcate! is designed for international students who want to improve their English-speaking and listening skills in a supportive and interactive environment. Facilitated by experienced student mentors, the program helps participants gain confidence while engaging in meaningful conversations. From Australian and popular culture to university life, health and wellbeing, and how to communicate in university settings, we'll be covering it all!
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As a participant, you will:
- Develop fluency and confidence in English
- Meet new people and gain insights into Australian culture and other diverse backgrounds
- Receive a certificate of completion and a LinkedIn badge if you attend at least 80% of the program
- Develop your communication skills and connect with other students through conversations, fun activities, and interactive games.
As a facilitator, you will:
- Plan and deliver English conversation workshops for international students with the help of your coordinator and co-facilitator
- Create a supportive and encouraging environment to help students build confidence in their English communication skills
- Facilitate connections among students to foster a sense of community and belonging
- Plan and prepare engaging activities and materials for each session
- Help to build a sense of community by encouraging participation in the Global Connections social and cultural events
- Attend professional development sessions to enhance facilitation skills and develop global citizenship.
Sign up for Let's CommUNIcate
Join weekly workshops (Weeks 1–7, except Week 6) led by trained student facilitators. Build confidence and enhance your communication skills in a friendly, supportive space.
Practice a language, make friends, and explore cultures
About the program
The UNSW Language Exchange Program provides a fun and informal way to practice a language while forming new friendships. Instead of relying on textbooks, participants engage in real conversations and cultural exchanges. Each student is matched with up to five language partners to create a dynamic and immersive learning experience. The program is free and open to all UNSW students, including study abroad and exchange students, regardless of language proficiency.
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As a participant, you will:
- Have the opportunity to gain confidence in conversational skills, learn local slang, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures
- Meet new people from various backgrounds and forge new friendships
- Enhance your employability
- Prepare for travel, study, or work abroad.
Applications to be a Mentee will open soon.
As a facilitator, you will:
- Organise regular language exchange sessions, including setting agendas and selecting topics
- Encourage participants to stay engaged and motivated in their language learning journey
- Provide guidance on language learning techniques and resources and facilitate conversations between participants
- Help to build a sense of community by encouraging participation in the Global Connections social and cultural events
- Attend professional development sessions to enhance facilitation skills and develop global citizenship.
Fun facts:
Over 120 different language combinations have been exchanged by 12,000 program participants since 2010.
Countless lifelong connections have been made, including two marriages!
Interested in joining as a mentor or facilitator?
Mentors and facilitators for all three programs above go through the same application process. If you are successful, you will be matched to one of the programs based on your attributes and preferences.
The Global Connections programs are open to any students in their second term or beyond from all disciplines.
Benefits of being a mentor/facilitator:
Becoming a mentor or facilitator is a rewarding experience to help new international students grow and thrive under your guidance and mentorship. This is a chance to:
- Learn about different cultures through interacting and connecting with diverse international students via events and workshops
- Facilitate a supportive environment for all individuals and create deeper connections with the wider community
- Collaborate with other like-minded Cultural Mentors who are committed to fostering an inclusive community at UNSW
- Build and improve your communication, leadership, and team working skills.
Get official recognition
Participating as a mentor will be will allow you to get AHEGS recognition upon its completion.
The Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) provides an official recognition for a student's participation in co-curricular activities, which can later be shared with employers.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about Global Connections and its intercultural mentorship and leadership programs, contact us below. We’re here to help.