Culture Connect is a new volunteer peer mentoring scheme starting in September to help new international students settle into life in the UK, meet new people and develop their language skills.

A selection of student case studies about the scheme

Guinevere Chan

‘I would love to work in a culturally diverse environment where I can work closely with people. To achieve this it is essential to have strong interpersonal skills. Being part of Culture Connect has been a great way to socialise with people from different countries and this has improved my cultural awareness. I definitely recommend all students to join the scheme because the experience is so valuable. I recently achieved Gold Hallam Award for my volunteer work.’

Download Guinevere Chan’s Culture Connect Case Study

Noufal Kunhu

‘I had a great time with my mentee, helping him with his queries and learning through sharing our experiences. We still keep in touch with each other even though the scheme has come to an end. I encourage students to get involved in order to boost your social life and have fun! You will improve your language skills, as well as having the incredible experience of getting to know different people and creating lifelong friendships.’

Download Noufal Kunhu’s Culture Connect Case Study

Olive Nyaga

‘Volunteering just a few hours can make a huge difference to another student’s life. As a mentor, you can develop your communication, time management and problem solving skills, which will be transferable to the job industry and make you more employable. I will never forget my Culture Connect experience. I would like to thank International Student Support for the chance to be a mentor.’

Download Olive Nyaga’s Culture Connect Case Study

Sohaib Hassan

‘Culture Connect is one of the best schemes being offered by Sheffield Hallam University for new students in Sheffield. I advise all new students to join this scheme because it will help you to improve your problem solving skills, self-confidence and adjust to a new culture. Mentors offer a supportive relationship, giving you impartial advice, encouragement and space to reflect on your practices. I found it useful to learn from the experience another and it has increased my social and academic confidence.’

Download Sohaib Hassan’s Culture Connect Case Study

More information and details of how to get involved will be added soon to the Culture Connect Facebook page. Visit www.facebook.com/CultureConnectSHU