The “Locals4Students” mentoring programme will kick off on 11 May 2016 with an initial meeting at the Kleve campus in the Senate Hall, Building 4, 2nd floor, and on 1 June 2016 at the Kamp-Lintfort campus in the canteen, both at 6 pm.
Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 29 April 2016: As part of the ‘Locals4Students’ mentoring programme run by Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, members of the public are invited to take on the role of a mentor or experienced adviser, using their experience and knowledge to support the development of their mentee and thus help students settle into their studies.
Anyone who would like to help students feel at home in their new surroundings can become a ‘Local’. There are no specific requirements to fulfil. However, it would be an advantage if applicants were also able to communicate in English.
It is mainly – though not exclusively – students from abroad who welcome this form of support, as language is usually not the only issue. Cultural differences can also pose a challenge.
Mentors, for example, support students with cultural integration, help to ease homesickness and act as a substitute for family far away. There may also be a need for support in dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation or applying for work placements. In any case, shared activities promote cultural understanding. “What mentors can and are willing to do in an advisory capacity is entirely up to them. We are grateful for any support offered to our students,” emphasises Julia Ilg.
Anyone interested in taking part in the programme and attending the first information session should complete the registration form on the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences website and email it to locals4students@hochschule-rhein-waal.de. If you have any queries, please contact Mary-Rose Pawelke (02821/80673-151) in Kleve or Annette Bradley (02842/90825-133) in Kamp-Lintfort.
