Global Bridge International Peer Mentorship Program
Bridging cultures, one student at a time.
The Global Bridge International Peer Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of our university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive
community.
As a peer mentor, you'll have the incredible opportunity to guide and support your
fellow students on their academic journey. Whether it’s providing study tips, offering
encouragement, or being a friendly ear, your role as a mentor helps build a supportive,
globally connected campus.
The Global Bridge International Peer Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of our university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive
community. Topics on this page:
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Overview
The Global Bridge is an International Peer Mentor Program, a student-led initiative designed to support new international and globally minded students as they transition into life at Cal Lutheran. It creates a welcoming, inclusive community where students can build meaningful connections, feel supported, and engage more fully in campus life.
The International Peer Mentor Program pairs experienced students with incoming international and exchange students to help them adjust academically, socially, and culturally to life at CLU. Mentors serve as friendly guides, offering support, sharing experiences, and helping new students navigate and provide guidance throughout their first semester.
This program is designed as a structured, semester-long experience that supports students from pre-arrival through their first semester here at CLU. The program combines intentional matching, consistent engagement, and community-building activities to create a strong sense of belonging.
Why Join the Program?
For mentees:
- Build friendships and connections before and after arriving on campus
- Receive guidance on navigating academics, campus resources, and student life
- Get support in adjusting to a new cultural and social environment
- Develop confidence, belonging, and strong networking skills as you transition into the CLU community.
For mentors:
- Strengthen your résumé with leadership experience and receive a certificate of participation.
- Build professional connections, including opportunities for letters of recommendation.
- Develop leadership, communication, and intercultural skills.
- Make a meaningful impact on new students’ experiences.
- Engage with a diverse global community.
- Be recognized through end-of-program appreciation event.
- Build lasting friendships and professional growth opportunities.
Become a Peer Mentor
Be a Leader. Build Connections. Make an Impact!
International Peer Mentors are volunteer student leaders who support new international students as they transition into university life. Mentors help mentees adjust academically, socially, and culturally by offering guidance, sharing campus resources, and building a welcoming community.
This role is an opportunity to develop leadership, cross-cultural communication, and mentorship skills while making a meaningful impact on a new student’s experience.
Please note that the Peer Mentor training will be during Summer break (July-August) and will require attendance during Fall 2027 orientation in August.
Qualifications
- Current full-time student at Ģý who has completed at least one academic year (or two semesters).
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (for undergraduate students) and 3.0 (for graduate students).
- Demonstrated experience working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds or have a strong passion for supporting diverse student populations
- Familiarity with campus resources (academic, social, and administrative), or willingness to learn.
Mentor Expectations and Responsibilities
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of something bigger? Please complete the application form below to be considered for the International
Peer Mentor Program.
Join as a Peer Mentee
International Peer Mentees are new international students who seek support as they transition to life at Ģý. Through this program, mentees are paired with experienced student mentors who provide guidance, share resources, and assist with academic, social, and cultural adjustment.
During the program (Fall semester), peer mentees stay connected with their mentors, build meaningful friendships, and become actively engaged in the campus community. Peer mentors are committed to supporting student success and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Program Structure & Expectations
Mentees are placed in small groups of 5-6 students and paired with two peer mentors. Each group uses a designated communication platform to stay connected, share updates, and coordinate meetings and activities throughout the semester.
Program Engagement
Group Meetings:
Mentees are expected to attend group social activities organized by their peer mentors
approximately 2–3 times per month. These sessions focus on community building, campus
engagement, and shared experiences.
Individual Check-ins:
Peer mentors will connect with each mentee periodically for brief check-ins to provide
guidance, answer questions, and offer support.
One-on-One Support:
Mentees are encouraged to reach out to their peer mentors at any time for additional
support or to schedule individual meetings as needed
Mentee Expectations
As an International Peer Mentee, students are expected to:
- Communicate regularly with assigned peer mentors
- Be open to guidance, support, and new experiences
- Engage in campus life, programs, and community activities
- Respect cultural differences and diverse perspectives
- Respond to mentor communication in a timely manner
- Share concerns or questions with their peer mentor when needed
Getting to Know You - Mentee Form
Ready to join as a peer mentee? Please complete short survey below to join as a mentee to better help us match you with our peer mentors.
Mentor Stories
Vivian Meyer' 26
Major:Music & Music Production || Peer Mentor - Fall 2025
I feel incredibly grateful that my first-year roommate and now my best friend introduced me to the Center for Global Engagement and the Peer Mentor Program. Being part of this community has been such a meaningful experience. I’ve loved connecting with people from different cultures and seeing my worldview expand in ways I never expected. It’s been so rewarding to support students as they transition to a new university and country, while also learning so much from them in return.
Hadley Julca' 26
Major:Theatre, Philosophy & Religion minor || Peer Mentor - Fall 2025
It has been one of the greatest joys of my time here to be a peer mentor. I have loved getting to know my freshmen and being able to be there for them as a guide, an advocate, and of course a friend. My mentee this year is also a theatre student so it has been a wonderful experience not only to be there for her outside of classes but also to get to work with her during rehearsals and watch her thrive in our department with every new challenge and opportunity that she takes on. It is a fulfilling and gratifying experience that allows you to make connections that last.
Mary Lanzner' 26
Major:Film and Television Production || Peer Mentor - Fall 2025
Being a peer mentor for Ģý's Center for Global Engagement has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career, and honestly, one I didn't expect to love as much as I do. This year I had the privilege of mentoring students from Colombia, Mexico, and Panama, helping them navigate everything from campus life to immigration questions. Seeing someone go from nervous and unsure to confident and thriving on campus...there's nothing quite like it. But here's what surprised me most, I got just as much out of it as they did. I've made genuine friendships with people from across Latin America and the world, learned so much about their cultures, and built connections that I know will last long after graduation. It's one thing to learn about the world in a classroom. It's another thing entirely to laugh with someone over shared stories, swap music recommendations, and realize how much you have in common with a person who grew up thousands of miles away.
The Center for Global Engagement makes it easy to get involved. You don't have to speak another language. You just have to care. Whether you help with workshops, social events, or one-on-one advising, you're giving international students something priceless: a friendly face who has their back. If you've been looking for a way to make your time at Ģý count, this is it. Apply to be a peer mentor. You'll make lifelong friends, broaden your worldview, and remind yourself why community matters.