International Student Mentor Programme

The International Student Mentor Programme aims to create a community among international students who are studying at the Faculty of Arts, engage students with the faculty and provide a sense of belonging at the University.

Our international student mentors:

• Help first-year international students transition to life at the University of Auckland
• Answer your general questions and connect you with University services when needed
• Share their experiences and tips as current students at the Faculty of Arts
• Help you with networking by sharing socialising skills and connecting you with other international students
• Provide one-on-one peer support if needed

We are looking for passionate, committed student mentors for Semester 2, 2023 and Semester 1, 2024. Mentoring is a rewarding experience to help and guide your international peers while connecting with people outside your current network.

You can apply to volunteer as an International Student Mentor after you have completed one full year of study.

The benefits of becoming a student mentor:

• Engaging with the staff and students of the Faculty of Arts community
• Receiving formal recognition as a certificate of participation from the Dean of Arts
• Your hours as an Arts International Student Mentor can contribute to the Community Engagement pathway for the University's Co-Curricular Recognition Programme, which is a highlight to be added to your CV
• Making a difference to the international student cohort, increase your self-confidence and leadership skills
• Further opportunities for valuable professional development, such as employer networking and cultural competency
   

Our mentors are international students who have been studying at the Faculty of Arts for at least one year and know the ins and outs of being an international student at the University. They are well-integrated in the faculty, are kind and empathetic, and keen to provide guidance, motivation, and emotional support.

Kano Yamato

Email: kyam835@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Kano: "Kia ora everyone! I’m Kano and I’m an international student from Japan. I’m currently studying Psychology and Education, and this is my second year at the University of Auckland. I love going to New Zealand’s beautiful beaches and also eating nice ramen :))" 

Andrea So

Email: lso199@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Andrea: "Kia ora koutou! Ko Andrea ahau. Nō Hong Kong ahau. Hello everyone! I'm Andrea. I'm from Hong Kong. I'm in my final semester of a BA in Psychology and Education! I'm a music and piano teacher and am really passionate about music, so am always keen for a chat about it! Looking forward to meeting you!"

Yuyan Zhang

Email: yzhb511@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Yuyan: "Hi, my name is Yuyan and I am an undergraduate student studying Psychology and Media. I have recently become addicted to Nintendo games and usually enjoy cooking and swimming. As a mentor for Arts international students, I would be happy to help you with any information about the university. Feel free to chat with me!"

Dev Darmawan

Email: ddar815@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Dev: "Hi all! My name’s Dev and I’m in my second year of Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Education. I hail from the world’s largest archipelagic country, Indonesia and I’m so excited to be joining the Arts International Student Mentors team this semester! I look forward to getting to know more international students in the Faculty of Arts and hopefully be of help in getting you through the challenges of studying abroad!"

Yadi (Dee) Liu

Email: yilu811@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Dee: "Kia ora koutou! My name is Dee and I’m your international student mentor. I’m currently doing a Master of Public Policy and I’m really interested in the topic of mental health, social change, and gender. See you on campus soon and just enjoy your uni days! Feel free to ask me anything related to your uni experience." 

Yingying (Yasmine) Yang

Email: yyan872@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Meet Yingyin (Yasmine): "My name is Yingying Yang, and you can also call me Yasmine. I’m originally from southwest China, Sichuan province, which is also the Panda’s hometown. I’m doing a research Master of Arts in Politics and International Relations. Studying at the University of Auckland has not only equipped me with a broad range of new knowledge and methodologies. It also taught me how to be critical-thinking and embrace different people from different backgrounds and cultures."