International Student Mentoring Program
Cultural Partner Application


The primary goals of the International Student Mentoring Program (ISMP) are to help internationalize the UB campus, foster a global mindset in U.S. students and staff through meaningful interaction and shared experiences with international students, and reduce the isolation of newly arrived international students. To achieve these goals, we need dedicated UB students and staff to serve as Cultural Partners for newly arrived international students. We are looking for people who:
  • Have an interest in learning about other cultures
  • Have a strong desire to help others
  • Are interested in showing people around UB and Buffalo
  • Are interested in sharing U.S. culture
  • Are undergraduates (junior or senior year), graduate students, UB staff members, or retired UB staff members.
If you meet the qualifications above, please complete the application below. If you are chosen to participate, you will be informed via email 2-4 weeks prior to the start of the Fall or Spring semester. Additional program details are below:
  • Cultural Partners are paired with two newly arrived international students.
  • All participants must attend a half-day training program held on a Saturday morning. (More information will be provided if you are chosen to participate.)
  • Cultural Partner groups are asked to meet once every two weeks for a minimum of one hour. The commitment is for one semester.
  • Two optional group activities are planned.
  • An end of the semester party brings everyone together to celebrate their experience, receive certificates and give feedback on the program.
If you have any questions about the program or the application, please contact Caitlin Rioux (cmrioux@buffalo.edu) in the International Student Services Office.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the application below:

Biographic Information :
Name* :
Gender* : Female   
Phone Number* : Cell/Home:  
Work (if applicable):    
Preferred Email Address*:
How long have you studied/worked at UB (in years)?
If you work at UB, for which office do you work?
Are you UB alumnus/alumna ?
   
   
   
If yes, what year did you graduate? In what field(s) did you study?
If you are a UB Student please respond to the questions below :
UB Person Number:
Degree Level:
(If undergraduate, indicate year of study:)
Major:
   
Experience/Preferences:
What experience, knowledge or skills do you have that will help you as a Cultural Partner?*
(Maximum 255 characters)
You have characters left.
Do you prefer group members who are (choose one)?*
Do you have any international experience? Check all that apply.
Are you currently involved in on-campus organizations (e.g. student clubs)? If so, which organizations?
(Maximum 255 characters)
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Tell us about yourself.  What are your interests & hobbies?
(Choose your top five interests/hobbies)*
Travel
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
(Maximum 255 characters)
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*** Please note that not all applicants will be chosen to participate.  We want to ensure that each student is assigned to a Cultural Partner who can best meet his/her needs.  Therefore, if an appropriate student is not available for you, we unfortunately will not be able to choose you to participate at this time.