International Student Success Peer Mentor Program
Mission
The International Student Success Peer Mentor program aims to assist new international students to make a successful academic adjustment to Syracuse University and increase the engagement and academic achievement of international students.
Strategies
- Demonstrate to new students how to utilize academic resources and opportunities
- Help new students analyze the college’s academic requirements and expectations
- Develop leadership skills and professionalism of peer mentors
We match current students with incoming students to create a supportive community. The program features a syllabus outlining weekly learning goals for mentors and mentees. Peer Mentors are selected through an application and interview process based on a list of selection criteria in the early Spring semester. This International Student Success Peer Mentor Program serves as a valuable opportunity not only for new students but to mentors who seek to develop leadership skills and grow professionally.
Impact on International Students
- Students actively engaged in mentor’s guidance receive higher GPAs. Our research findings present the comparison.
- Fall 2023: GPA 3.42 vs. 2.88
- Fall 2022: GPA 3.34 vs. 3.07
- Fall 2021: GPA 3.43 vs. 2.93
- 100 percent of students engaged in mentor guidance are satisfied or extremely satisfied with mentor support.
- Testimonials from new international students
- “Without my mentor, I would drop out of school in the middle of the first semester”.
- “My mentor is the first person I want to ask for help if I meet any challenge.”
- “My mentor led me to the area of biology research.”
- “I benefited so much from my mentor. That is why I want to become a mentor, too, to help others.”
Mentor Responsibilities
It is estimated that each mentor may devote two to three hours per week to the mentoring program.
- Meet with mentees as one group one hour per week for 13 weeks
- Respond to mentee emails/phone calls/texts within 24 hours of receiving them
- Attend at least one on-campus and one off-campus event with mentees as one group
- Attend the new international student welcome event in August
- Write two reflection journals and submit them via Blackboard
- Attend mentor training in April and monthly mentor meetings during the summer and fall semester
- Contact mentees starting in May for informal communication
Mentor Selection Criteria
- Be a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in high academic standing (rising sophomore, junior, and senior)
- Cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Be able to commit to a one-semester appointment (Fall)
- Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
- Have great interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Have the ability to empower others
- Know the campus and community
- Meet all program time commitments
Benefits of Being a Peer Mentor
- Receive one CAS 270 credit in the Fall semester (within 19 credits)
- Receive a LinkedIn Peer Mentor Award badge
- Receive a graduation medallion
- Earn 45 volunteer/community engagement hours
- Receive a recommendation to participate in the A&S and Maxwell career immersion programs (enhance your application but does not guarantee a spot)
- Have an opportunity to receive a letter of reference/recommendation for a job and/or graduate program
- Gain competencies specified by Syracuse University: Communication Skills, Critical and Creative Thinking and Ethics, Integrity, and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
- Develop professional skills that can be applied to future career and educational endeavors: Leadership, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, adaptability, communication, conflict management, time management, problem-solving and initiative.
- Engage in intercultural experiences and strengthen cross-cultural communication skills
- Contribute to internationalizing and diversifying our campus and community
- Developing long-lasting friendships with peers from all around the world
Apply
- Application for 2024-2025 is now closed. The application for 2025-2026 will be open in February 2025.
Listen to what our current peer mentors said about the experience
- “…have learned a lot about time management and organization through this.”
- “…helped me also expand my communication skills which can be very helpful in my future classes and life endeavors…”
- “…communication skills and patience are involved in the process.”
- “It strengthens my goal of becoming a professional public relations practitioner in the future. through the peer mentor program. I have confidence in communicating with people using good strategies and skills.”
- “I have learned a lot about time management and organization through this…”
- “…these experiences are extremely helpful for my future career or even the rest of my life when dealing with similar things. I can bring those skills to my working experiences as well.”
- “I can definitely feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment from my bottom of heart.”
- “…improves my communication skills and helps me to be a better multitasking person.”
- “I have not only exercised my communication skills but also established a professional network with many employees.”
Contact
Ling Gao LeBeau, Ph.D.
Director of International Student Success
315-443-2970
lglebeau@syr.edu
300 Hall of Languages
Outstanding Peer Mentors
Three of the 12 2024 Syracuse University Scholars have served as Peer Mentors for international students. They are: Marwa Abedrabbah, Mitchell Mazza, and Matthew Snyder. Read their story.
Aaron Lener
Pronouns: He/Him
Class: 2027
Majors: International relations and linguistics
Minor: Russian
Hometown: Cortland, New York
Languages: Spanish, English
Hello everyone! My name is Aaron and I am an international relations and linguistics major. In addition to my coursework, I conduct research on endangered languages, I am on the executive board of OttoTHON (a philanthropic organization here on campus), and I volunteer as an English teacher for refugees in Syracuse. I am super excited to be a Peer Mentor this year and I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Alexandra Volo
Class: 2027
Major(s): Biology (pre-med track)
Hometown: Utica, NY
Hello and congrats on your commitment to Syracuse University! My name is Alex and I am a freshman studying Biology on the pre-medical track. I am a part of the J.Q.A.S, Black Pre-Medical Society, and a director of P.L.T.L for Biology. I love everything about Syracuse University, and I am excited to provide you with an easy transition from high school life to college life. I am so excited to meet you all!
Aliana Lloyd
Class: 2026
Majors: Television, Radio, and Film & Philosophy
Hometown: Newport Beach, California
Hi! Congrats on committing to Syracuse University! My name is Ali Lloyd and I am a rising junior studying Television, Radio, and Film and Philosophy with a minor in Political Science. I enjoy music, art, spending time with others, being outdoors, and trying new things – and I have loved my time at Syracuse so far and hope to help you find that same experience here. I am so excited and grateful to be serving as a Peer Mentor this year and can’t wait to meet you!
Andrew Cole
Class: 2025
Major(s): History and Philosophy
Hello and welcome to Syracuse University! Congratulations on your acceptance. My name is Andrew Cole and I am a Junior double majoring in History and Philosophy. I am currently involved in the Syracuse University Outing Club as well as CHRONOS: The Syracuse University Undergraduate History Journal. I am thrilled to be a Peer Mentor for Fall 2024 and look forward to the opportunity guide international students from around the world! I am looking forward to guiding my mentees, helping them learn about American culture while guiding them towards academic and social success. I hope to make Syracuse University a home away from home for all my mentees!
Ashley De La Cruz
Class: 2025
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: New York City, NY
Languages, English, Spanish
Hello, my name is Ashley, and I am a Senior at the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. Currently, I am a Student Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Also, I am a Community Ambassador for SU's South Campus. When I have free time, I love to watch true crime documentaries, listen to music, and read books. I am so excited to start this journey with you all and guide you through your first semester in Syracuse University. As your mentor, I am always free to answer any questions you have and provide you with all the support you need! I can't wait to meet you all soon !!!
Ashley Kim
Class: 2027
Major: Biology
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Languages: Korean, English, Japanese (conversational)
Hello and welcome to Syracuse University! My name is Ashley Kim. I am a rising sophomore from Seoul, South Korea, studying Biology at the College of Arts and Sciences, as I recently changed my major from Applied Mathematics and Economics. I have also spent some time living in Tokyo, Japan as a college student at Sophia University. I am excited to meet you all and guide you through your transition to Syracuse. Go Orange!
Ava Downey
Class: 2026
Major(s): Linguistics and International Relations
Minor: Global Security Studies
Hello! My name is Ava Downey and I am a rising Junior at Syracuse majoring in Linguistics and International Relations with a Minor in Global Security Studies. On campus I am involved in the IC CAE, serve as the President of Women in National Security, am a volunteer for the Conversation Partner Program, and work as the Service Director for our campus' chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. I am also a tour guide with U100 and a student in the Renée Crown Honors Program. In my free time I enjoy singing, playing piano, reading, and painting! I am looking forward to guiding my mentees in succeeding academically, developing their personal and professional interests, and finding their home away from home at Syracuse University.
Zhuoyao Deng (Catherine)
Class: 2025
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Beijing, China
Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), English, Korean (Conversational)
Greetings! My name is Catherine, a rising junior majoring in Psychology. It is a pleasure to serve as Peer Mentor and excited to meet you! I have studied in China, South Korea, and here in the United States, multicultural experience allowed me to develop adaptability to different cultural environments, and as such it allowed me to reach the level of expectation during college transitions in Freshman year. College transition is still different. Been there, done that, therefore hoping to support y’all undergo this stage and provide a sense of home.
Emily Walker
Class: 2027
Major: International Relations, Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Minor: Geography
Hometown: Moorhead, Minnesota
Hello and welcome to Syracuse! My name is Emily, I'm a rising Sophomore, and I'm double majoring in International Relations and Citizenship and Civic Engagement. In my free time I love watching movies, doing art, and hanging out with my friends. I'm so excited to be a peer mentor for Fall 2024! I became a peer mentor because I want to help others have a smooth transition to life here at SU. That being said, I can't wait to meet you all soon!
Erin Irvin
Class: 2027
Hometown: Warrenton, Virginia
Hi everyone! My name is Erin Irvin and I am a sophomore studying in the College of Arts and Sciences here at Syracuse University. Congratulations on your acceptance to SU! I am so excited to be your peer mentor and cannot wait to get to know all of you. On campus, I am a TA for the First Year Seminar program, a member of the Club Field Hockey team, and involved in Greek life. My interests include the outdoors, sports, and trying new things. I am here to support you in any way that I can throughout your transition to Syracuse. I am eager to meet you all - please always feel free to reach out!
Gianna Frank
Class: 2026
Majors: Neuroscience & Biology
Hometown: Mohawk, NY
Hello! I am Gianna and I will be a junior in the Fall! I have experience going to school abroad after high school and I am hoping that I can help to make this transition to Syracuse University easier and a positive experience. I am involved in several organizations on campus that mostly focus on being a Pre-Health student with the plan of attending medical school. I look forward to being a resource for you!
Grace Villavicencio
Class: 2027
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Zionsville, Indiana
Hello everybody and welcome to Syracuse! I am Grace Villavicencio and I am a rising sophomore Biology Major with minors in Psychology and Cognitive Science. I am apart of the Honors College and am actively on the Honors Advisory Board. I am from Zionsville, Indiana and have traveled all over the world and have hosted study abroad students during high school. I am excited to meet everyone and always feel free to reach out.
Guoyin Ji
Class: 2026
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Accounting
Hi, everyone! Welcome to SU! my name is GUOYIN JI! Currently, I will be a junior in the 2024 fall semester, and my main major is Mathematics with a minor in Accounting. I am looking forward to helping new students quickly adapt to the Syracuse University campus, learn about the use of various school resources, and help them become healthier and happier in their SU life!
Hai Jiang
Class: 2026
Majors: Policy Studies, Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Hello Mentees! My name is Hai Jiang. Class 2026, majoring in Policy Studies and Citizenship and Civil Engagement(CCE). I am coming from Shenzhen, China. Boxing was my all-time favorite; I love to discuss anything close to my majors because those are my passions. My normal day on campus will be class, forum, and exercises. So, you should be able to see me if you spend time in a policy-related forum or Barnes Center. I also like to talk with people, so do not hesitate to contact me if you want to know me or talk with someone. Glad to have you at Syracuse University, Welcome, and thanks for reading.
Javier Berczely Marzo
Class: 2026
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Hi! Congrats, and welcome to Syracuse University! My name is Javi, and I am a rising junior from Madrid, Spain and I am studying to work in the film and entertainment industry. I speak 3 languages: Spanish, English and German, and can also speak some French. One of the reasons I am so excited to be a Peer Mentor this upcoming semester is because I hope to be of some help to international students who are trying to get acclimated to campus on their first semester, just like I did two years ago. Believe me, there are a lot of ways you can go to call Syracuse University your home. Me, I'm involved in a number of clubs and organizations, some of which include OrangeSeeds (for those interested in volunteering, professional guidance, and befriending older students in your field of study) and University 100 (tour guide organization) among others. I look forward to meeting all new international students and helping in any way possible. GO ORANGE!!!
Julia Sousa
Class: 2027
Major: Policy Studies
Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
Welcome to Syracuse! My name is Julia Sousa and I am a sophomore. I am currently studying Policy Studies on a Pre-Law track. At SU, I am involved in academic and non-academic clubs and organizations. I have interests in sports, fashion, and traveling. I am so excited to be a Peer Mentor for the upcoming semester. I can't wait to get to know you all!!
Kacie Moschella
Class: 2026
Majors: Magazine Journalism (Newhouse) and American History
Hometown: Merrick, New York
Welcome to SU! My name is Kacie Moschella, and I am currently a rising junior double majoring in Magazine Journalism and American History. I am so thrilled to join the peer mentor program for international students; I will be here to provide both academic as well as social support to new students. I hope to make your transition to Syracuse as enjoyable as possible :)
Kaila Hart
Class: Fall of 2024
Major: Political Philosophy
Hometown: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Hello everyone, I'm Kaila! Here at Syracuse, I major in political philosophy and have a minor in psychology. On campus I am a global ambassador, a peer leader, and a student ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences. A little fun fact is that I spent my first semester of college in Madrid, Spain as a Discover Madrid student. As a peer mentor, I am here to assist you in any way you need to make your transition to SU as seamless as possible! Congratulations on your acceptance to Syracuse University and I cannot wait to meet you in August! :)
Kalina Weber
Pronouns: She/her
Class: 2027
Major: Environment, Sustainability, and Policy; Policy Studies
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Hello, my name is Kalina and I am thrilled to welcome you to Syracuse! I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon. A few things about me: I enjoy spending time with friends, trying new things, and getting to know the Syracuse area better. I am an honors student, have an on-campus job, and work with organizations such as The Women's Network, Connect315, and the Shaw Center. I will be available to answer any questions you may have before the school year begins and I hope you have a great transition to university life!
Keona Bukhari-Adams
Class: 2027
Majors: Neuroscience & Psychology
Minor: Cultural Anthropology
Hometown: Springfield, NJ
Hello! Welcome to Syracuse University. My name is Keona but most people call me Kee! I am a rising sophomore in the school of Arts & Science and I am on a pre-medical track. Currently, I am a peer mentor for Syracuse International Students, a member of Phi Delta Epsilon (an international medical fraternity), and a current semi-finalist for a UK Fulbright program. But outside of academics, I love dance and performing arts! I cannot wait to meet all of you, and I am so excited to help you through your transition to college. I hope to be both a mentor and a friend to all of you.
Mikolaj Kokoszko
Class: 2026
Majors: Information Management and Technology; Finance
Hometown: Warsaw, Poland
Languages: Polish, English, some German
Welcome to SU! Two years ago, I came to the US without knowing about universities and the American educational system. Without the support of peers, faculty, and mentors, transitioning from a lost C- high school student to a dual major honors student would be extremely difficult instead of just difficult. That’s why I am eager to give back what I received by providing support and resources for other international students, ensuring a great time at Syracuse University.
Juesi (Owen) Xu
Class: 2027
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Wuxi, China
Hello! My name is Juesi and you can also call me Owen. I'm a student from China and currently studying at Maxwell School. I love the Syracuse University community and as an international student, I'm also involved in China Development Student Think Tank. It's my pleasure to be a peer mentor and I can't wait to see you all! I'm here to help with anything you need throughout the first year of your college life. I'm here to assist you, guide you, and be friends with you. I'm looking forward to having an amazing school year with you!
Rogayah Alamarie
Class: 2026
Majorː Biology and Linguistics Studies (on the pre-health/pre-medical track)
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Langugesː Arabic, English, little spanish, and currently learning ASL.
Hi everyoneǃ WELCOME to Syracuseǃ My name is Rogayah, I am interested in learning about cells and the human genome. I enjoy learning about languages and the different methods of language analysis. Currently, I work in a genetics lab where our primary focus is on brain development and gene expression. As a peer mentor, I am excited to share my experiences with the organization, provide academic success tips, and help you adjust to the new environment. We can work together and get through this. I am eager to meet you this upcoming semester and show you what Syracuse University has to offer. :)
Ryan Brown
Class: 2026
Major(s): Internal Relations and Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism
Hometown: White Plains, NY
Welcome to Syracuse! My name is Ryan Brown and I'm a junior here at Syracuse University. I'm actively involved on campus as a writer for the Daily Orange and play intramural sports. I'm very excited to get to meet you all and I'm looking forward to helping you all have a smooth transition to Syracuse!
Sarah Alamarie
Class: 2026
Majors: Psychology and Neuroscience (on the Pre-health track)
Minor: Biology
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Languages: English, Arabic, elementary level Spanish
Hi! Welcome to Syracuse University. My name is Sarah Alamarie, I'm a rising junior double majoring in psychology and Neuroscience with a minor in biology. At SU I am currently involved in Pre-PA organization, Psi Chi -the International Honor Society in Psychology, Pre health ambassador, and I work as a research assistant at the Care Lab. I am very excited to be part of the peer mentor program for international students. I'll be here to help and provide support to new students, to make their transition to Syracuse University go as smooth and fun as possible.
Shahina Alibekova
Class: 2027
Majors: Biotechnology and Neuroscience (Pre-Medical track)
Languages: Uzbek, Russian, English
Hi everyone, welcome to SU! My name is Shahina, I’m a rising sophomore majoring in Biotechnology and Neuroscience in the Pre-Medical Track. A little bit about my involvement on campus is that I work at the Diversity in Language and Literacy (DILL) Lab in the CSD department and am a member of the Alpha Omega Epsilon (STEM sorority). With that being said, I’m looking forward to supporting and helping you in any way I can so that you can have a smooth transition to Syracuse. I’m excited to be your Peer Mentor and please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Tomoyoshi Takita
Class: 2026
Major: Information Management and Technology
Languages: Japanese, Cantonese
Hello and welcome to Syracuse! I'm Tomoyoshi Takita, and I'm excited to be your mentor. My own experiences here have been nothing short of amazing, and I'm eager to help you find the same joy and fulfillment. As a proud member of the Class of 2026 majoring in Information Management and Technology, I have a deep passion for all things tech. But that's not all I'm about! I'm also deeply involved in a variety of campus organizations, including Campus Connect, ASIA, and JSA, which have enriched my time here and can do the same for you.
When I'm not immersed in the digital world, you can find me indulging in my love for sports. Whether it's bowling, baseball, table tennis, badminton, swimming, spikeball, dodgeball, ice-skating, skiing - if it's a sport, chances are I'm into it. I'm looking forward to maybe even sharing a game or two together! I hope to help you transition into SU and have a successful academic career.
Tracy Huang
Class: 2025
Majors: Economics, International Relations
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Languages: English, Chinese
Welcome to Syracuse! My name is Tracy Huang and I am a rising senior double majoring in Economics and International Relations. On campus, I am a board member of the Economic Student Association, and I work as an office assistant in the International Relations Department. I love reading novels, playing board games, and going on outdoor adventures in my free time. Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Wenxiao Teng
Class: 2025
Major: History
Hometown: Guangzhou, China
Languages: Chinese, English, and some Russian
I'm Teng. Welcome to SU! I'm honored and very excited to be your mentor. I hope to work closely with you and prepare you for a successful academic career at SU! I wish you the best of luck and please feel free to reach out whenever you need.
Yida He
Class: 2026
Major: International Relations
Minor: Linguistic Studies
Hi! My name is Yida; call me E. I am a rising sophomore majoring in International Relations and minoring in Linguistic Studies. I am happy to work with you and be friends with you. Transitioning to college isn’t easy, but please remember we are all here to support you. Welcome to SU! And Go Orange!
Yiming Zhang
Class: 2025
Majors: Economics and International Relations
Hello! Welcome to Syracuse University. My name is Yiming Zhang, a rising senior majoring in Economics and International Relations. As a peer mentor, I am committed to doing everything I can to guide new students, helping them integrate and succeed in both their academic and personal pursuits. My proactive approach and enthusiasm for continuous learning make me well-suited for this mentorship role. Please feel free to reach out anytime!