International Student Mentorship Program at Berkeley
Community Service/Nonprofit·Education·Health/Wellness
ISMP is a free nonprofit mentorship program that pairs international students at UC Berkeley with volunteer alumni and working professionals. Members get matched one-on-one or in small groups with mentors who help them navigate university life, cultural adjustment, career development, and English skills. Mentors and mentees typically meet weekly, starting with a Meet and Greet orientation, then covering topics the mentee chooses, from resume workshops to surviving the first month in the U.S.
Applicationsrolling basis
240+
Mentor network size
1
Initial weekly meeting frequency (1 hour)
6
Minimum recommended weeks for the initial meeting streak
1
Minimum program length, in semesters (at least 1; roughly 4-5 months)
$0
Cost to join
100%
Mentors with bachelor's degrees
Events They Host
Online Workshop: PhD to Industry
Zoom workshop on how PhD students can transition to industry jobs. Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6pm PST / 8pm CST / 9pm EST.
Member Experiences
Meet and Greet Orientation
Mandatory virtual orientation session where new mentees meet their matched mentor for the first time and receive details about getting the most out of the program.