Belong@FHS: Cultural
Awareness in a student
peer-mentoring initiative
A/Prof Corinne Caillaud
Dr Melanie Keep
The University of Sydney
Page 1
Ice-breakers
Name, faculty and what’s a TV
show that you watch?
The University of Sydney
Page 2
Belong@FHS Mentor Training
– Belong@FHS is a Faculty-wide peer mentoring
program for undergraduate and postgraduate Health
Sciences students.
– Mentor training:
 Online and face-to-face
 What is a mentor, learning and teaching processes
and people at FHS, supporting peers (CAPS),
cultural awareness
The University of Sydney
Page 3
The University of Sydney
Page 4
Cultural Diversity – what do you think of it all?
1. In Column 1 indicate whether you strongly agree (SA), agree
(A), disagree (D), or strongly disagree (SD) with the following
statements. (1 min)
2. Compare your answers with another person. You must reach
agreement on each question. Write your agreed answers (A,
D etc…) in Column 2. (5 min)
3. With the other person, discuss your answers to the questions
with two other people, again trying to reach a consensus
answer to the questions. Record your answer in column 3.
DISCUSSION
– Which statement generated most difference of opinion? Why?
– What lessons regarding “study place” communication can you
draw from this?
The University of Sydney
Page 5
How would you react if someone…
1.
2.
3.
4.
Looks down or away from you when speaking with you?
Doesn’t say, “Thank you” when receiving a favour or service?
Stands physically close when talking to you?
Assumes you’re available for a work conversation on Sunday
night?
5. Assumes the gender of your partner when inviting you to a
function?
6. Sits on a table or desk during a tutorial?
The University of Sydney
Page 6
Student Feedback
– 88.14% agreed that this training
was relevant to their role as
student mentors.
– 93.22% agreed that cultural
awareness training was helpful in
their development as student
mentors.
The University of Sydney
Page 7
Cultural awareness…
– Is not ethnographic knowledge of different cultures.
– Is being cognisant of your own cultures and how it is reflected
in your behaviour.
– Is being willing to ask questions with an open mind.
The University of Sydney
Page 8
Acknowledgements
– Super Mentors
– Peggy Timmins, Trisha Corbett
– A/Prof Sarah Lewis, Dr Krestina Amon, Dr Debra Shirley and
Dr Stephen Cobley.
The University of Sydney
Page 9