Become a STaR PG International Mentor

Would you like to support new Postgraduate International students with their start in their postgraduate studies and settle into a new country?

If you’d like to, and can spare one or two hours a week in the autumn term, we would like to hear from you.

We are looking for current PhD students who can mentor both Masters and PhD students.

You do not need to be an international student to participate, as Home students can provide a great insight into British life and support new students.

Signing up is easy and you can complete this STaR PG International mentor form to do this.

Like a “buddy” scheme, new International PG students are matched up with current PG students dependant on preferences. You will then answer questions and provide new students with an insight into university life. The only thing you need to know is what it is like to be a Postgraduate student and what it is like to live in the UK! 

If you are not sure and would like to speak to someone first, please write to starmentors@reading.ac.uk

This short film shows some previous participants talk about their experience of the scheme.

What previous participants say

We have also shared the reactions of some of the previous participants and a beneficiary:

“Being an international student, I understand only too well the struggles of adapting to a completely new environment. With this knowledge in mind, I was happy that I could be a source of friendship and guidance for new students from other countries.” – Student STaR mentor 2020

 “There was very good training. The people leading the scheme helped create a friendly atmosphere where you felt like you could ask questions and seek help if you were stuck. Additionally, the weekly emails made me feel supported and connected to the scheme.” – Student STaR mentor 2020  

 “….when I asked him why he wanted to be a mentor, he said that many international students have come long way from their home to his country to study and he felt that as British it was also his responsibility to make them feel that they are most welcomed to this country. I think this might be the most inspiring and nicest thing that I ever heard from someone. As an international student, his words made me feel that I am at home and I actually matter. He makes me feel that I am in a fairer and inclusive community and I think what he did was so valuable and appreciated” – New PG student comment on her PG mentor