Last year, the “Locals4Students” mentoring programme was successfully launched at both campuses of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The next meeting will take place on 31 May 2017 at the Kamp-Lintfort campus.
In the ‘Locals4Students’ mentoring programme run by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, local residents are invited to act as mentors, using their experience and knowledge to provide support and thus help students settle in and make progress with their studies.
Anyone who would like to help students feel at home in their new city can become a ‘Local’. There are no specific requirements to fulfil. However, sufficient language skills to communicate in English are an advantage.
It is mainly – though not exclusively – students from abroad who look forward to this form of support, as language is usually not the only issue. Cultural differences can also present a challenge.
The mentors help with cultural integration, for example, by providing contacts and engaging in conversation. There may also be a need for support with dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation or applying for work placements. In any case, shared activities promote mutual understanding. “What the mentors can and wish to offer as advisers is entirely up to them. We are grateful for any support given to our students,” emphasises Julia Ilg, Head of the Welcome Centre at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
Anyone interested is warmly invited to take part. If you have any queries, please contact Laura Paul in Kamp-Lintfort (02842/90825-9748) or send an email to: locals4students@hochschule-rhein-waal.de.
