Although there are many smiling and welcoming faces at LIBT to help students feel at home when they first arrive, we have also introduced the Student Mentor programme for new students to help them adjust to life at LIBT and Brunel. The Mentor programme matches 10 new students to a Mentor at the beginning of each semester. The Mentors are handpicked from a number of applicants because they have already successfully studied at LIBT for one semester, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are empathetic and understanding. Mentors meet with the new students on a weekly basis and provide support relating to emotional & academic concerns, financial matters, homesickness etc. Mentors will, if necessary refer the student onto the appropriate person if more specialist help is required. The mentor acts under guidance of the Academic Director and Student Support Officer at LIBT.

Here is what one of our student mentors has to say about the programme

Shun Cheong Peter Liu
Taiwan
Student Mentor

I like to help people which is why I wanted to become a student mentor. Being a student mentor gave me the opportunity to help new LIBT students form all different cultures and backgrounds, and once I had helped someone solve a problem, I felt like I had contributed something to the international student community at Brunel University. Most new international students have queries that relate to their academic studies or living in the UK. Something as simple as ‘Can I drink the water from the tap?’ or ‘Where is my Accounting lecture?’ are some of the questions I have been asked. I think the LIBT Student Mentor scheme is an excellent idea as it gives new students a contact on the campus 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I hope that as an international student I was able to provide them with accurate information and a friendly face, which eased transition from life in their home country to academic study in the UK.

Do you want to apply to be a Student Mentor?
Please contact Carla Horton, Student Support Officer at LIBT for more information.