University Retirees Volunteer Center

Volunteer Opportunity

Global Gopher “Minnesota Experience” Mentorship for International Graduate Students

Volunteers are needed to serve as “Experience Minnesota Culture” mentors to international graduate students new to the University of Minnesota

The Global Gopher Minnesota Experience (GGE)Mentorship program is a collaborative volunteer opportunity between International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) and the University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC).

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Program Overview:

The Global Gopher Minnesota Experience Program supports the core value of bridging cultural differences and providing an open and safe place for cultural exchange. It connects incoming international graduate students with University of Minnesota retirees who are interested in supporting new students and sharing their experiences as members of the UMN community.

https://isss.umn.edu/programs/global-gopher-experiences

Role of Global Gopher Mentors- The mentorship commitment is for ONE semester and includes:

Welcome to Minnesota: Minneapolis Airport Arrival

• Pre Arrival: Volunteers will be matched with a student by ISSS staff prior to arrival. Global Gopher mentors will then connect with the student virtually or by e-mail to answer any questions students may have regarding navigating the Minneapolis airport, and Minnesota culture such as UMN student life, weather related clothing recommendations, use of Lyft vouchers etc.

• Airport Arrival:     WEAR YOUR GOPHER GEAR!

Global Gopher mentors will greet students upon arrival at the MPS Airport, issue LYFT vouchers provided by ISSS and guide students to their pickup location. ISSS staff will also provide volunteers with a Welcome Global Gopher sign at a specified airport Global Gopher check-in location.

**Should an international student arrive at a time that does not work with your schedule, such as late at night, ISSS will coordinate arrival for this student.

The Minnesota Experience - Bridging Across Cultures:

Mentors are requested to meet with the student at least three times during a semester to:

• Explore Minnesota together to share ideas, and information, experience campus and community cultural opportunities (theater, music, athletic events, outdoor activities at local lakes, parks).
• An invitation to the mentor’s home and/or experiencing a shared meal in some way is encouraged.

Mentor Qualifications Needed: 

• A strong interest in cross cultural connections.
• Interest in providing a mentoring experience to international students.
• International cultural exchange, or travel experiences.
• Cross cultural communication skills.
• Some familiarity with UMN campus culture and resources

Mentor Orientation Session:

• A one-hour Minnesota Experience Orientation for mentors will be provided by ISSS and URVC staff on August 4th, 1:00 p.m., Campus Club Room 411.

The Orientation Session will focus on:

An overview of the program and roles of ISSS and URVC,

Expectations for volunteer mentors,

Cross cultural communication strategies.

Parking:

• URVC will provide volunteers with a parking voucher for meetings held on campus.

*Please indicate at registration whether you are a URVC/UMRA volunteer.

Click the Sign Up Button below to receive registration information

Or, contact the University Retirees Volunteer Center

by email at URVC@UMN.EDU (preferred) or by phone at 612-625-8016