The University Of South Carolina hosts international students from approximately 100 countries. Many International students find that their expectations of the United States are much different than the reality of living in Columbia, South Carolina.
Students requesting a GGN Mentor may be matched with either a Domestic or International student who can help you acclimate to campus. By joining this program, you will be paired with a current Graduate Student who is familiar with life at USC. Each GGN Match will support up to 10 international graduate students. You can ask them anything about campus life, local amenities, or cultural differences.
Your GGN mentor will be familiar with the USC campus and life in Columbia, South Carolina. You can ask them any questions such as: Where is the Registrar office? How can I join a campus club? Where do I get my student ID? How do I take an Uber to the grocery store? There is no such thing as dumb question! Ask them and they will try their best to help you out.
Are you a new international graduate student wanting a GGN Mentor? Read the section below entitled "International Students: How to Request a GGN Match."
Are you a current graduate student who is interested in being matched with a new incoming international student? Read the section below entitled "Current Students: How to Be a GGN Mentor."
International Students: How to Request a GGN Mentor
- Any incoming international graduate student can request a GGN Mentor. Masters students, doctoral students, and graduate certificate program students are all eligible.
- You must be an incoming graduate student.
- Only students who have received an I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) will be matched with a GGN Mentor.
The GGN program will look different for different people depending on their interest and needs. The primary goal of the program is to connect new students to a friendly and knowledgeable resource on campus to help answer any questions they have . Some folks may meet face-to-face, and others may simply email or text. Though friendship cannot be guaranteed, we hope that many students do form a supportive relationship with their GGN mentor.
Your GGN Mentor may not be able to address all your answers and requests. The GGN volunteers are students just like you, so they may not be able to answer questions specific to your programs or immigration status,; they may just refer to you to the appropriate department to adress your needs.
These GGN Mentors are busy graduate students who are volunteering their time and expertise to assist you with questions and to provide guidance and resources. Anything more than that is up to the individual volunteer.
The Global Graduate Network provides support and meaningful intercultural exchange at USC. Any inappropriate or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated from either the new incoming student or the GGN mentor. If any inappropriate or disrespectful behavior is reported, the individual at fault will no longer be permitted to participate in the program.
Interested in being connected with a GGN Mentor?
Our goal is to match you with someone who can provide you with answers and support. GGN mentors will likely be matched with several international students. Our goal is to pair up students as quickly as possible, but you may not receive a mentor until after your arrival to Columbia, SC.
Current USC Students: How to be a GGN Mentor
- Any current graduate student can volunteer to be a GGN mentor.
- Masters students, doctoral students, and graduate certificate program students are all eligible to be mentors.
The most important aspect of this program is communication. GGN Mentors are expected to answer questions from incoming students in a timely manner.
Students will likely have many questions at the start of the semster and then they new student needs will likley decrease as students acclimate to USC.
The GGN program will look different for different people depending on their interest and needs. Some folks may meet face-to-face, and others may simply email or text. Though friendship cannot be guaranteed, we hope that many students do form a supportive relationship with their GGN mentor.
As a GGN Mentor, you are NOT expected to do the following:
- It is not expected that you will be able to address all of the questions and requests you may be asked by new international students. Please feel free to refer the student to the appropriate campus office or community resource to get the information they may need.
- You are NOT expected to be a taxi or Uber to drive students around town.
- You are NOT expected to loan students money.
Your role as a GGN mentor is support and information. Any further support you offer is strictly your own decision.
Interested in helping an international student get acclimated to USC?
Apply to be an GGN Mentor!
The idea of the GGN program is not to make one-on-one matches, but rather for each GGN Mentor to be assigned several student whom they can help. If you apply to be a GGN Mentor, the application asks if you are willing to be paired up with multiple students. This is up to you and your own availaibility.