International Peer Mentorship Program

The International Peer Mentorship Program connects incoming international students and current Penn students to foster guidance, belonging, and community.

Welcome!

Are you an incoming international student looking for guidance as you prepare to begin your journey at Penn?
Or are you a current Penn student interested in supporting new students as they adjust to campus life and find their sense of belonging?

Join the International Peer Mentorship Program—a student-driven community built to foster connection, support, and shared growth.

Program Overview

With more than 11,000 international students and scholars, Penn is a vibrant global community in the historic city of Philadelphia. Each summer, thousands of newly admitted international students prepare for their arrival while balancing excitement with uncertainty—navigating visa processes, travel logistics, academic expectations, and the anticipation of adjusting to a new cultural and social environment. The period before setting foot on campus can feel both overwhelming and isolating.

Launched in 2025, the International Peer Mentorship Program (IPMP) was created to support students during this critical pre-arrival and summer transition period. The program helps new international students feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their journey at Penn.

What began as a collaborative effort among international student leaders and administrators has grown into a campus-wide platform that connects Penn’s international student community across schools, academic levels, and lived experiences. IPMP runs annually, with each cycle beginning in March. The program pairs incoming international students with current Penn students who provide guidance, encouragement, and peer support throughout the summer. While the formal program cycle concludes in August, many mentors and mentees choose to continue their connections beyond the program timeline.

In its first year, nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate mentors supported more than 400 incoming students during the summer months. The program’s impact is shaped by the meaningful relationships formed between mentors and mentees and the sense of belonging they build together.

2026 Program Timeline

The primary program cycle runs from March through August. The tentative timeline is outlined below:

Participants are welcome—and encouraged—to continue meeting beyond the official program time frame, and many do.

Contact Us

Have any questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you!

Undergraduate Chair: Rafaa Bukhary ([email protected])

Graduate Chair: Shrey Patel ([email protected])

ISSS Administrator: Dr. Yuhong He ([email protected])

How are mentors and mentees matched? Can I choose my mentee?
We match mentors and mentees based on your application responses. This includes things like your country/region, hometown, school at Penn, major or interests, hobbies, and the types of support you’re comfortable offering—along with what your mentee is looking for.

At this time, matches aren’t self-selected. If something doesn’t feel like a good fit, just reach out to the IPMP team—we’re happy to help.

What if my mentee doesn’t respond?
If your mentee hasn’t responded after three attempts over the first four weeks, please let us know:
• Undergraduate mentors: contact Rafaa
• Graduate mentors: contact Shrey

You can reach out via WhatsApp or email. We’ll follow up with your mentee. If they remain unresponsive, they may be removed from the program, and we can match you with a new mentee if you’re interested.

How should I communicate with my mentee?
There’s no required platform—use whatever works best for both of you (WhatsApp, email, etc.).


One request: please make your initial introduction via email.

Do I need to track meetings or submit reports?
Nope! There’s no formal reporting required. We want this to feel natural and flexible so you can build a genuine connection with your mentee. Midway through the program, we will send a brief survey to mentees to better understand their experiences and how things are going.

If you ever need support, you can always reach out to the IPMP team or ask questions in the Mentor WhatsApp group.

What training or resources will I have?
You’ll participate in a mentor orientation, and beyond that, support is always available:

• The ISSS website (great for common questions from new students)
• A list of campus resources we’ll share with you
• The Mentor WhatsApp group for quick questions and peer support

You’re never on your own—we’re here to help.

Do I have to attend the in-person event in August?
It’s not required, but we strongly encourage you to attend!

This event (date/time TBD) is a great chance to:
• Meet your mentee in person
• Connect with other mentors
• Get to know the ISSS team
• Celebrate your work (including mentor recognition and awards!)

We understand schedules can be busy, but we hope you can join us.

Does mentoring continue after the August event?
The program runs from May through August, and the in-person event marks the end of the program.
You’re not expected to continue mentoring after that—but if you and your mentee want to stay in touch, we absolutely encourage it!

What do I get out of being a mentor?
Great question 😊
Many mentors find the experience:
• Meaningful – you’re helping someone navigate a big transition
• Community-building – meet other mentors and connect with ISSS
• Personally rewarding – it feels good to give back
It’s a great way to support others while growing your own network.

Can alumni be mentors?
At this time, mentors must be current students.
If you’re graduating in May but can stay engaged through August, let us know—we’re happy to keep you on the mentor list. If you expect a busy transition (moving, starting a job, etc.), we encourage you to prioritize your needs and stay connected with ISSS for future opportunities.


Voices from the Community

Quotes from Mentee Participants

“Since my mentor came from the same country as me, I gained an understanding of what moving to Penn would be like for someone from a similar cultural and academic environment. It helped me anticipate how well I would adapt to Penn life.”

“I gained my sense of belonging by interacting with my mentor, who had once been in my position and truly understood what I was going through.”

“The program made my transition smooth and easy. I built meaningful relationships and met new people by spending time with my mentor.”

“By connecting with my mentor, I gained invaluable insight from an experienced Penn student, which helped shape who I want to become at Penn.”

Quotes from Mentor Participants

“If anything, it gave me perspective on what students may need help on, which would be helpful as I take on future leadership positions during my time at Penn.”

“In addition to supporting incoming international students, I found the mentorship experience personally rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own transition and growth, and helped me feel more connected to the broader international student community. I also appreciated the chance to practice leadership, offer guidance, and contribute to building a welcoming environment for others.”

Welcome Reception 2025

Mentor Awards and Recognition 2025

To celebrate mentors’ contributions and the meaningful impact they have on new students’ experiences, the following awards were presented at the in-person welcome reception in August 2025.

Above & Beyond Award
(any level)
Brendan Jolly

Community Builder Award
(any level)
Salma Tarmoun

Community Builder Award
(any level)
Salma Tarmoun

Most Engaged Mentor
(Graduate)
Bhavika Seth

Most Engaged Mentor
(Undergraduate)
Ahmed Hafedh

Most Supportive Mentor
(Graduate)
Barnard Abakah
Xinyao Jian

Most Supportive Mentor
(Undergraduate)
Greta Lynch
Maria Solaeche