MIX (Mentoring & International eXchange)

2008-2009 MIX New Mentor Application

2008-2009 MIX Returning Mentor Application

2008-2009 Mentee Application

Each fall, over 150 international undergraduate students arrive at the University of Virginia. Not only do these students face the challenges of entering into a new university, they also face the challenges of dealing with a new culture that is often extremely different from their own.

The purpose of the Mentoring & International eXchange (MIX) is for UVA students to assist and welcome incoming international undergraduate students. The program creates opportunities for international and American students at UVA to interact on a personal level and develop greater global and cultural awareness.

Why Join MIX?

- Expand your cultural and educational experiences
- Enhance your problem-solving and communication
- Assist new international students in adjusting to life at UVA
- Make new friends

MIX requires thirty to fifty undergraduate students who have been in attendance at UVA for at least one semester. These volunteer mentors are matched with new students from overseas, most of whom are new to the U.S. and intend to enroll in the undergraduate schools at UVA.

Mentors take an active part in planning and running activities and maintain contact with their assigned mentees throughout the year.

Objectives

- Assist new international students in understanding and adjusting to American and UVa academic life.
- Enable participating students, both MIX mentors and mentees, to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the values and attitudes of other cultures through personal interaction.
- Aid new international students in gaining practical skills by increasing familiarity with Central Grounds and by providing information on local bank locations, social activities, etc.
- Provide an opportunity for both MIX mentors and mentees to explore academic and career opportunities with international dimensions.
- Organize and participate in events sponsored by MIX throughout the year in order to fulfill the above objectives.

MIX Committees

Outreach Committee – Aimed at reaching out to the University and Charlottesville communities. Organize cultural and social events with other student organizations, faculty and university departments (e.g. International Education Week, mixers with other student organizations, CultureFest etc.).

Social Committee – Organize social events and activities primarily for but not limited to all program members (e.g. pumpkin carving party, cookouts on the Lawn, trip to Monticello, frisbee on the Lawn, etc.).

Academic Committee – Organize events related to academic life at UVA (e.g. course advising fairs, student-faculty major panels and discussions, student-faculty receptions, speaker series, etc.).

Marketing/Publicity Committee – Publicize events organized by other committees. Market the organization throughout the year by attending other university events related to international issues like Activities Fairs (Fall and Spring), Study Abroad fairs etc. Organize the marketing campaign during Recruitment in the Spring (e.g. chalking, flyering, e-mails, information sessions, tabling on the Lawn, etc.).

Requirements for Prospective Mentors

Fulfill all technical requirements: be a full-time undergraduate student at UVA (American or international), complete the application and interview process, attend training sessions.

Correspond with assigned incoming international students immediately upon receipt of their names and information.

Take an active part in the planning and organization of the program as well as attending MIX meetings and activities.

Provide timely and accurate personal information (address, phone number, etc) and maintain contact with the International Center.

MIX mentors are NOT responsible for and should NOT feel obligated to:

-Offer housing to students, either during the academic year or during vacations.
-Provide transportation to and from the airport or within the city.
-Spend any money on, or loan any money to the student for food, clothes, entertainment, etc.
-Give advice on or intervene in academic, legal, or employment matters.