Thank you for your interest in mentoring a Madison College international student. The purpose of the Mentor Family in the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program is to assist the student in the process of adapting to U.S. culture and learning English as a second language while the student is achieving program and personal objectives.
The ultimate mission of the CCI Program is for all students to return home as agents of change and as well-rounded, multicultural, and multilingual citizens who will make a difference in the lives of their families, their communities and their countries. The mentor family plays a major role in the realization of this mission.
Although termed a mentor “family,” mentors can be a single adult, a couple without any children, or a family of two parents with children. Mentor families should have a desire to learn about their student’s culture, a willingness to welcome the student as a member of the family, and an interest in exposing him or her to activities that are typical of family life in the U.S. Mentors are also expected to serve as a point of contact for the student and help him or her with conversational English skills. Although this is a volunteer initiative, there is limited funding available for group activities.
Being a CCI mentor family does require approximately a year-long commitment, from August 2011 to June 2012. It is generally recommended that the mentor family communicate with their student at least once a week (via phone, email or personal visit), meet face-to-face every other week, participate in one cultural outing each month, and travel outside the Madison area once a semester. Of course, some students may need more support upon arrival and less as they become more accustomed to life in the U.S., whereas others may wish to have frequent contact throughout their entire stay.
Please note that all applicants are subject to an interview and background checks to ensure the safety of our students. In rare instances, you may be requested to provide your social security number in order to complete a background check.
Once you have completed the following survey, the Center for International Education staff will follow up with additional CCI Mentor Family guidelines and information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Center for International Education at InternationalStudents@matcmadison.edu or 608-246-6201.