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International Student Mentoring Program

International Student Mentoring and Pre-Orientation Programs (ISMP/ISPOP)

 

OPAL's International Student Mentoring Program (ISMP) supports incoming international undergraduate students as they transition to Dartmouth College. All incoming international students are matched in groups with an upper-level student mentor. These mentor/mentee groups connect in person during the International Student Pre-Orientation Program (ISPOP), which takes place immediately before New Student Orientation (NSO). ISPOP introduces new international students to Dartmouth resources and opportunities, and allows time for community building within their class cohort. These programs are mandatory for all students on F-1 status.

Program Overview

Within this program, all incoming international students are matched in groups with an upper-level student mentor. Mentors connect with mentees to communicate information, answer questions, and share their experiences. These mentor/mentee groups continue formally throughout the International Student Pre-Orientation Program (ISPOP), which introduces new international students to Dartmouth resources and opportunities, and is ongoing during the first two terms of the new student's life at Dartmouth.

Structure

A team of 20-25 returning international and U.S.-based Dartmouth students are selected to be International Student Mentors. Each mentor is assigned a group of international undergraduate students; group sizes vary each year based on first year class size. Mentors offer support and referrals, as well as guide mentees through ISPOP. The formal programming and informal work of advising new international students continues throughout the fall and winter terms.