Hey guys! It’s Fabiana again.

I know you have heard about the Peer2Peer program at UCW, but do you know what exactly it is to be a Peer Leader? What responsibilities do you have? How does it benefit you? How do you get enrolled (because I know you will love the program)?

Well, let’s get into it! Since I started university, I had always heard about volunteering and working on campus. That was something I wanted to do to be more involved in the UCW Community, but I had no idea how. Back in 2021, after finishing my first term, I got an email from Student Affairs about open applications for the Peer Leader position. I was super excited because I knew I wanted to join the volunteer group, so without thinking twice, I read all the information about the program, then applied, was interviewed, and got accepted. I was super intrigued about what could happen next.

Being an international student, living in a country you don’t know and being away from your family and friends can be stressful sometimes. However, thanks to the Peer2Peer program, the process and rapid adaptation can be joyous and less complicated.

What does it mean to be a Peer Leader?

As a Peer Leader, you support, teach, advise and guide first-term students while getting to know them. You have the opportunity of being a mentor to them because you are influencing their personal and professional growth whereas helping them stay motivated and enthusiastic about their future.

Some of the tasks of Peer Leaders

Some of the tasks you have as a Peer Leader are:

  1. To be a role model for your mentees, improving time-management, communication, and leadership skills to be able to provide the correct guidance throughout the term.
  2. To be a good listener and provide feedback
  3. Assist students with all types of questions and give them the correct information.
  4. Host and schedule bi-weekly meetings with the mentees, checking on them
  5. Attend a meeting with Student Affairs staff members, Senior Peer Leaders and other Peer Leaders each term
  6. Taking part in organizing FYF (First Year Friday Events) at least two times a term 

How do I become a Peer Leader?

The process is easier than you think! Usually, in the third week of every term, the Student Affairs team sends an email to all the students about the open applications for the Peer Leader position. You have until the fourth week to fill out a form. In the sixth to seventh weeks you will have a 15-minute interview with one of the team. In the eighth week you will receive an email confirming whether you will be accepted or not to the program. If accepted, in the following week you will get the training, and in the thirteenth week you will have the tasks to be done for the NSO (New Student Orientation), then finally you are ready to help others.

My experience + How it benefits you

I’ve had the opportunity to be a Peer Leader since the beginning of my studies. Thanks to this program, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and improved my communication, leadership, and time management skills.

You will have the real-life experience of being a mentor to less experienced people, which is a great opportunity. 

Recommendations from an International student

Thanks, guys, for getting here.

To conclude, I would like to give you some recommendations:

  1. Take advantage of all the opportunities that the University offers.
  2. Get more involved in the community.
  3. Strengthen your networking and talk to everyone.

Written by UCW BCom Student Fabiana C.

Published on March 6, 2023.