International Student Peer Mentor
Description and Application 2014
Program and Position Description
The International Student Peer Mentor Program is designed to provide the opportunity for more
experienced international students to pass on their knowledge to their peers. A Peer Mentor is a
current, MSUB international student who provides leadership, mentorship, and useful insight into
many aspects of academic and social life at MSU Billings. Offering unique guidance based on special
training and personal experiences, Peer Mentors will:
 Be a resource for students regarding which courses and professors may be of particular
interest to students
 Help navigate new incoming students’ way through the university
 Answer questions regarding cross-cultural living in the US
 Direct students to the appropriate university staff, offices and faculty who can help them
 Connect students to university, Billings, and greater Montana events and activities
 Assist in the International Studies Office with other tasks that may arise
Peer mentors are often called upon to answer questions like these:
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What was the most beneficial advice you received about college?
What scared you most about starting college? How did you cope?
Did you make any big mistakes your first year? What would you do differently?
What was the best thing that has happened to you while at MSUB?
What's the best way to make close friends?
Peer Mentors hold regular office hours in the Office of International Studies each week so that they
can be available for students in person, via email, phone, or Facebook. Peer Mentors may also be
called on to help translate or give clarity during meetings on campus.
Required Qualifications
For consideration, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
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Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate classes
Juniors and seniors are preferred, but other qualified applicants will be considered
Experience living in a residence hall setting
Strong interpersonal skills, especially when communicating with people from different
cultures
Strong desire to help new students
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Knowledge of MSU Billings
Self-motivation
Must be available to attend Peer Mentor trainings and meetings
Abide by a confidentiality agreement, maintaining confidentiality and respect of individual
students’ rights at all times
Start Date and Pay
All applications for the Fall 2014 Semester must be received by August 15 for consideration. Peer
Mentors will be required to attend a training during the week of September 8 and will begin their
duties by September 15. Each Peer Mentor will be paid $8.50 per hour worked, up to a total of 10
hours per week.
How to Apply
1. Complete the attached application and turn it into the International Studies Office or email to
ois@msubillings.edu.
2. The program coordinator will contact qualified applicants and set up an interview.
2014 International Student Peer Mentor Application
Name____________________________________________________ Student ID#_______________
Billings Address_______________________________________________________________________
(street)
(city)
(zip)
Phone_____________________ Email Address_____________________________________________
Home Country________________________________________________
Birth Date_______________
Current class level: Freshman Sophomore Junior
Senior
Major________________________________ Expected Graduation Date________________________
Plans after graduation_______________________________________________________
Overall GPA_________ GPA last term_________
Circle all living situations you have experienced while attending MSU Billings:
Residence Halls
Apartment/House
All applicants please respond to the following questions. Your responses should be typed on a separate
piece of paper and should demonstrate your attention to detail.
1. Why are you interested in the peer mentor position?
2. Please share a few of your personal characteristics that will make you a unique addition to our
program.
3. Please describe your personal experience as an international student. (such as your favorite classes
and professors, student organization you attended, or activities and work experience )
4. What was the most beneficial advice you received about college?
5. What scared you most about starting college? How did you cope?
6. Did you make any big mistakes your freshman year? What would you do differently?
Along with this application you must also provide on letter of reference from an MSUB faculty or
staff OR a mentor in your own life. That letter must address how well the person thinks you will
fit with that role. It also must include current contact information of the person writing the
letter so that we can call them if needed.