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Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

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. Most of all, mentors and mentees find a welcoming global community at UC Davis.

If you are a first-year or incoming transfer international undergraduate student, learn more about how to apply to get mentorship as a mentee.

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. Matches are based on similar academic and social interests. Mentors receive a payment of $500 upon successful completion of the program.

Students from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply! Former and current mentees are also eligible to apply. 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. Applications to become a mentor open the beginning of winter quarter.

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.
  • Gain experience designing and leading events that promote global awareness on campus and enhance your ability to manage projects, collaborate with diverse teams and engage public audiences.
  • Participate in professional development workshops specifically for mentors on topics such as goal setting and interviewing skills.
  • Strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills by collaborating on projects with fellow mentors and supporting international student mentees as they transition to life at UC Davis.
  • Contribute to impactful projects across Global Affairs. Past opportunities have included giving feedback on global learning tools, 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—demonstrating your commitment to global engagement and leadership development.

Program Description

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.
  • Starting in summer, 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.
  • Attend professional development opportunities/workshops.
  • Complete bi-monthly reflections and a final group reflection project on their learning throughout the program.
  • Be matched with a student co-coordinator who, along with the program coordinator, will review their reflections and provide ongoing feedback in their mentorship and events/communications activities.
  • 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.

Eligibility 

Mentors must:

  • Be an undergraduate student at UC Davis.
  • Have satisfactory academic progress (2.50 GPA).
  • Have completed at least one full university-level academic year (three quarters) by July 2026.
  • Expected graduation date no earlier than March 2027
  • Have a genuine willingness to learn from and about cultures other than your own and have a dedication to service.
  • Have 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.
  • Have demonstrated past leadership experience or potential related to effectively guiding international student mentees and planning/implementing related events.
  • Be able to register for and attend the EDU class on Wednesdays, 2:10–4 p.m. during spring quarter.
  • This program is open to all undergraduate students, international and domestic, who meet the above eligibility requirements.

If you have any questions about the program or your eligibility, please contact the program coordinator.

Application Process

  • The application to become a mentor for 2026-2027 will open in January 2026.

Meet the Mentors

Contact Information

Kim smiles outdoors in a navy blue striped shirt and a necklace.

Kim Notehelfer

Global and Intercultural Programs Coordinator
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
knotehelfer@ucdavis.edu