INTRODUCING GLOBAL BUDDIES International peer mentor scheme piloted

INTRODUCING GLOBAL BUDDIES • International peer mentor scheme piloted in Faculty of Social Sciences • 50 international students supported • New volunteer opportunity • Brand new strand of work for SU

WHY WAS IT SUCCESSFUL? • 4 events 10 weeks of support • Ismail’s contacts • Becca VDS’ knowledge • Pending insight evaluation but very positive anecdotal feedback • Key part of Ismail’s manifesto met & it’s emerged in a few future officers’ too. • 5 -6 week turnaround (inc. X-mas hols) • Ismail v. personally invested

CHALLENGES FACED Lack of clear project plan Jot form knowledge Timing meant we couldn’t establish link between Buddies pre-arrival Language barrier Training – finding the right balance Not everyone could attend the welcome event Many non-GB students attended welcome event through word of mouth Recruiting mentors last minute Getting international sign-ups for the scheme China has sensitive servers Working with Officers (v. busy & different set of knowledge) Ownership of future plans – chicken & egg! Coordinating with international office Balancing a ratio of 4: 1 mentors to mentees

LEARNING POINTS Sit down with IO & faculty to avoid overlap of what we offer Work with IO & faculties to establish earlier contact with international students (impact of data protection changes means these relations are key) Fix jot form / have something ready for Chinese students Reduce the number of information sessions Goody bags – allow more time for marketing Work with sponsorship much sooner Project planning & clear delegation between officers / non-officer staff More training! Give students dates further in advance

TAKE HOME MESSAGES The Uni’s / SU’s international offer could be better coordinated Embrace the unexpected Make the most of others’ knowledge Team work makes the dream work!

GLOBAL BUDDIES