Overview
The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help first-year and incoming transfer international undergraduate students (mentees) successfully adjust to life at UC Davis. Through peer mentorship, incoming international undergraduate students find support and learn about clubs, campus resources, and academic support services. Global Ambassador mentors host fun social events that are open to all international undergraduate students. The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is also a great way to meet other students and make new friends!
If you are a first-year or incoming transfer international undergraduate student, learn more about how to apply to get mentorship as a mentee.
Throughout this program, I gained valuate insights into intercultural communications and built meaningful relationships with both my mentees and fellow mentors.” – Former Mentor and International Student
What is a Global Ambassador Mentor?
Global Ambassador Mentors are current undergraduate students who represent the diverse student community on campus—from different academic years and fields of study, and with varied life experiences. Mentors receive a payment of $500 upon successful completion of the program and earn transcript notation by completing at least 40 hours of program participation each quarter.
- Gain intercultural leadership experience while deepening skills in cross-cultural engagement and personal growth.
- Learn how to be a mentor and make meaningful connections across cultures, identities and experiences.
- Strengthen career-readiness skills for future professional goals in any field.
- Create and lead program events and collaborate on projects for Global Affairs.
There are no citizenship or permanent residency requirements to participate; however, students must be eligible for employment in the U.S. to receive the payment. Former and current mentees are also eligible to apply.
In the News: “Empowering International Students Through the Power of Mentorship"
Tina Zhang and Suzuran Schnyder share why they decided to become mentors and provide further insight into the program’s impact and mission on campus.
Program Benefits
- Participate in an Intercultural Leadership course (2-unit P/NP) during spring quarter alongside other mentors and build foundational skills in collaborative leadership, conflict resolution and cultural humility.
- Strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills by collaborating on projects with fellow mentors and designing events that promote global awareness on campus.
- Contribute to impactful projects across Global Affairs. Past opportunities have included assisting with the International Student and Scholar Handbook, and participating in media initiatives such as videos and photo shoots.
- Receive payment of $500—paid in two installments at the end of fall quarter and winter quarter. This payment is contingent upon the successful completion of program responsibilities.
- Earn transcript notation for fall and winter quarters by completing at least 40 hours of program participation each quarter.
- Participate in professional development workshops on topics such as networking and interviewing skills.
Program Details
The program runs from the spring quarter through the following winter quarter. Mentors will:
- Enroll in and pass a two-unit EDU P/NP upper-division preparatory class ("Intercultural Leadership") during the spring quarter.
- The course will be held on Wednesdays, 2:10–4 p.m. during spring quarter. This course is required; no exceptions.
- Mentor up to five incoming undergraduate international students and maintain regular support and contact.
- Participate in weekly program meetings during fall and winter quarters.
- Meetings will be held on Wednesdays, 3:10–4 p.m. and are required in fall and winter quarters.
- Contribute to planning for program events and communications and attend program events.
- Be part of a supportive cohort of other mentors from diverse lived experiences, majors and interests, and future career goals.
- Mentors can expect to spend 0-2 hours/week in summer and 4-6 hours/week in fall and winter quarters on program activities.
Program Eligibility
- Be an undergraduate student at UC Davis.
- Satisfactory academic progress (2.50 GPA).
- Completed at least one full university-level academic year (three quarters) by July 2026.
- Expected graduation date no earlier than March 2027.
- Genuine willingness to learn from and about cultures other than your own.
- Experience working, living, or studying in a place where you had to navigate an unfamiliar cultural context, either in the U.S. or in another country.
- Demonstrated past leadership experience or potential related to effectively guiding international student mentees and planning related events.
- Be able to register for and attend the EDU class on Wednesdays, 2:10–4 p.m. during spring quarter.
Application Process
- The application to become a mentor for 2026-2027 is currently closed.
Meet the Mentors
Contact Information
Kim Notehelfer
Global and Intercultural Programs Coordinator
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
[email protected]