Create a packing list. Review travel plan. Finalise class schedule. Meet new classmates. For new international students beginning their educational journey in a foreign country, there is much to prepare. But students are well advised to add one more task to their to-do lists – finding trusted individuals who can guide them once they arrive.
At Clarkson University, mentoring from professors, advisors, and university staff plays a critical role in supporting students’ academic and personal growth. These mentors’ influence goes beyond academic guidance and can include career advice, cultural orientation, and emotional support, ensuring international students thrive in their new environment.
The transformative power of mentoring
Mentorship is instrumental in helping international students navigate the complexities of the US educational system and cultural context. Faculty mentors offer academic support by guiding students through coursework, research opportunities, and career planning, while advisors and support staff help them adjust to life on campus, providing resources for cultural adaptation and personal well-being. It helps to remember that mentors are everywhere, in both formal and informal settings.
Master’s student Shylendra Sai Bangaru, once a newcomer, now regularly offers advice to students on everything from what clothes to bring to how to navigate campus. For him, the importance of mentoring is that it leads to student success. “Mentorship is more than just academic guidance; it is about helping students build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and create a pathway for their future,” he says. “For international students, having a mentor who understands their struggles can make all the difference.”
Indeed, mentoring offers a support system that addresses academic, cultural, and social issues. By having a mentor, students develop essential soft skills such as effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which are invaluable in both academic and professional settings. In fact, a recent study highlights how peer mentoring nurtures qualities like resilience and adaptability, vital for international student success. The reciprocal nature of mentorship benefits both mentees and mentors, with mentors enhancing their mentees’ leadership and communication skills.
Director of the Clarkson Ignite programme, Ashley Sweeney, congratulating Shreejit Poudyal, recent graduate with a BS in Data Science. Source: Clarkson University
Faculty mentorship and academic success
Professors at Clarkson play a crucial role in mentoring international students by helping them adapt to different teaching styles, guiding them through research projects, and connecting them with professional networks. Many students have credited faculty mentorship with enhancing their academic experience and broadening their career prospects.
Shreejit Poudyal from Nepal found faculty mentorship helped shape his academic journey in a positive way. “Throughout my time at Clarkson, my professors have been incredibly supportive,” he recalls. “They have guided me through research opportunities and encouraged me to explore different career paths. Their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my future.”
Islam Morina of Kosovo agrees. “The connections I’ve made here at Clarkson have shaped my life in ways I’ll always cherish. Professor Arzu Çolak has been a guiding light in my academic journey, offering unwavering support and encouragement that truly elevated my experience. I also had the privilege of learning from Professor Daniel Ben-Avraham, whose brilliance and genius inspired me to think deeper and strive for excellence.” He concludes, “Clarkson has given me an insanely amazing experience — the kind you can’t find anywhere else. The community here is tight-knit, the people are genuine, and I’ve made connections that will last a lifetime.”
Advisors and Support Staff: A Pillar of Guidance
Beyond faculty, advisors and support staff play a significant role in mentoring international students. From assisting with visa regulations to offering career counseling, these mentors provide crucial guidance that helps students successfully navigate life in a new country.
Chidiogor Ofodum from Nigeria reflects on the role advisors played in her transition, “The support from my advisors at Clarkson helped me adjust to life in the US. They provided not just academic advice but also emotional support, helping me overcome cultural challenges and build confidence.”
Staff members at Clarkson also support international students by helping them connect with networking opportunities, internships, and leadership roles. “I worked closely with staff members in the International Centre and Career Centre, who guided me through job opportunities and leadership development,” reflects Shazoi Hall from Jamaica on how university staff mentors contributed to his growth. “Their mentorship helped me gain practical experience and grow both professionally and personally.”
Shazoi Hall, 2024 graduate in Civil Engineering, with Patrice Cole, administrative assistant who supports student experience at Clarkson. Source: Clarkson University
Identifying and building relationships with mentors
Faculty, staff and peer mentors are ready to help, but students must be intentional and proactive about finding them. Here are some pointers to help students identify and cultivate meaningful mentoring relationships:
- Seek out potential mentors who have interests that align with yours. Look for professors, advisors, or staff members who specialise in your academic field, career goals, or cultural background. Attending office hours, participating in student organisations, and engaging in academic discussions can help facilitate these connections.
- Take initiative and communicate openly. Be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out, introduce yourself, and express your interests or concerns. Focus on the relationship initially, not a specific goal or outcome.
- Engage beyond academics. Mentors can offer more than just academic support. Discuss cultural adaptation, career planning, and personal development to gain a well-rounded perspective on your growth.
- Nurture the relationship. Mentorship is a two-way street. Show appreciation, stay in touch regularly, and be open to feedback to maintain a strong and lasting relationship.
The lasting impact of mentorship
Mentorship from faculty, advisors, and university staff is a fundamental component of the international student experience at Clarkson University. It provides the guidance, support, and opportunities necessary for academic success, personal development, and cultural integration, contributing to Clarkson’s high placement rate and starting salaries. By prioritising mentorship, Clarkson ensures that international students are not only welcomed but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to the university community and beyond.
The stories of students like Shazoi, Shreejit, Islam, and Chidiogor exemplify the transformative power of mentorship at Clarkson. Their experiences highlight how mentorship can bridge cultural gaps, enhance leadership skills, and create lasting bonds that enrich both the mentor and mentee. By fostering these meaningful connections, Clarkson University not only helps international students navigate their academic and personal journeys but also prepares them to become leaders and mentors themselves, creating a cycle of support that extends far beyond campus.
Clarkson University is a STEM-focused university located in Potsdam, NY. It boasts a placement rate of 98% and an average starting salary for bachelor’s graduates exceeding US$71,000 per year, placing the university on numerous national rankings.
Request more information about Clarkson here.
Follow Clarkson University on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
