Who is a Mentors?

A Mentor is a senior student who has been through it all and wants to help new students with the first-time challenges of The Vaal University of Technology academic and social life. To request a Mentor, students must fill out the Response Form or complete the electronic form at www.vut.ac.za

Mentors Program

Program Information

Students arriving in the Vaal Triangle for the first time who may not be familiar with the South African in general and Vaal in particular, may wish to take advantage of this program. A 'Mentor' is a primary contact person who provides information and guidance to someone who is unfamiliar with their new surroundings. New international students are matched with one of our student volunteers (international or non-international) during the initial arrival period. Typical 'Mentor' activities might include meeting the student at on arrival, showing them around campus, helping to identify banking facilities, accompanying them on an accommodation search, or simply taking the time to chat over a cup of coffee.

MISSION STATEMENT

VUT International Student Mentor Program is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between returning students and new international students. The program was designed to help new international students become more culturally aware and to help them adjust to a South African way of life, especially during the first weeks after arrival. This program benefits new international students, returning students and VUT by bringing them together to share culturally rich experiences. Commitment, both on our part and the volunteers, is the foundation to ensuring the success of this program.

If you would like to get involved as a MENTOR, please contact the MENTOR Line, at + 27 950 9318 Ms Malejone Moqhoba, International Relations Department A009-31.

Overview of the International Student Mentors Program

Goals of the Program

• To help incoming international students adjust to their new environment on campus and Vaal Triangle.
• To extend the opportunity to make new friends and/or learn about other cultures
• To strengthen a sense of community.

Who can be a MENTOR?

We are looking for returning students, international and non-international., with relative experience or a willingness to help, to act as BUDDIES. Whenever possible, level and program of studies are considered when pairing up is taking place. Depending on your preference, we will try to match you either with new students from your country or from a different part of the world.

What will a MENTOR Do?

• Be a source of information
  A MENTOR will be a primary contact person who provides information and guidance
• Be a cultural guide
  A MENTOR will help introduce the new student to Vanderbijlpark
• Make a genuine commitment
  A MENTOR will take his/her role and responsibility seriously

The specific duties of the MENTOR will only be informally defined. Taking into consideration that some students may require more guidance than others, how much time is spent on the program and the nature of the activities will be for the most part left up to individual BUDDIES. In fact, unlike what most prospective volunteers might anticipate, very little time and effort is required. However, it is expected that the MENTOR will:

• Contact the new student on arrival either at the airport or at VUT international relations department office after being matched
• Meet with the new student on at least two occasions, especially the first weeks after arrival; the frequency of possible future meetings will depend on the rapport established between a MENTOR and a new student
• Provide the student with an idea of what is expected of a student at VUT and what a student may expect from their experience in their new environment
• Direct the new student to someone who might be able to provide them with more specific information.

How well will you do?

Envision yourself in a new school, a new country and a new culture; or for some of you, simply remembering your first experience as a newly arrived international student… this alone will surely serve as a guide and will facilitate your assignment. International Relations Department and International Student Organisation will also provide the MENTOR (through an interview) with specific information and advice regarding what a new international student needs to know and do upon arrival at VUT.

What does International Student Organisation do?

International Student Organisation:

• Recruit current students through the International Mentor Volunteer Form
• Interview and advise the volunteers
• Pair up BUDDIES with incoming international students
• Work with (VUT International Relations Department) by staying informed on their orientation and other social activities
• Encourage incoming international students to participate in the International Student Mentor Program through the International Mentor Request Form.

What's in it for the MENTOR?

Apart from finding it to be a most rewarding and satisfying experience, at the end of the academic year, International Relations Department will prepare a Certificate of Participation, which can be utilized as a credential in your CV. Look in the mirror… What do you see? … Perhaps, the Best MENTOR Ever!

Students Helping Students.

This program was created to help new international students adjust to their new surroundings. VUT accepts students from all over the world. The program assists the new student by pairing up the newcomer with a MENTOR to help familiarize them with some aspects of VUT and life in the Vaal. Last year, approximately 100 international students were matched with national student volunteers who greatly facilitated their integration into the VUT and Vaal communities. As a MENTOR, you will also be extended the opportunity to interact with students from various cultural backgrounds and very likely, the possibility of making new friends!!!A MENTOR is a primary contact who provides information and guidance to new international students. Typical MENTOR activities might include showing the student around campus, helping them identify banking or public transportation facilities, or simply taking the time to chat over a cup of coffee.By participating in the program, a MENTOR can help a new student/s minimize culture shock.

We receive approximately 200 MENTOR Requests per year… We lose some of our volunteers due to graduation. Although some become alumni and continue to support the program, we continually need to recruit new BUDDIES to replace the ones that leave!

IRD needs your help recruiting more volunteers for our program… We are looking for returning students, international and non-international, with relative experience. If you or someone you know would make a great SomeBUDDY, volunteering is just a step away.

A short interview is required… with or without appointment. We are located in the A-Block next to Gym Hall, Malejone Moqhoba, Room A009-31.

Other ways to contact us are: by phone at 950-9318 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Volunteering works…
Be part of shaping someone’s life!!