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Student Support Services at UNIVET Budapest Mental Health Counseling Services “SAM-buddy” the peer-mentoring program Information for mentors & mentor-candidates

Information for mentors & mentor-candidates

If you are new to this program we suggest you start by getting to know how this program works by reading the program basics. If you are ready to take part in the program as a mentor, or if you are a new student to the UNIVET campus and would like to have peer-mentor support please, feel free to continue reading.

Peer-buddy program basics

The program (Student Adjustment Monitoring – buddy program) integrates traditional and non-traditional technology-based support methods for peer-buddies (as we refer them mentors) to provide efficient and flexible mentoring to first-year students for the kick of period of school in both semesters.

We designed SAM-buddy to work in one-on-one bases as well as in small group format. The technological platform provides a vast library of relevant information along with built-in fun elements mentors and mentees can enjoy as they walk along together.

We put this unique program together to be the least disruptive of your studies as a mentor, fitting in with your schedule and academic obligations. (You are only requested to complete one semester as a mentor, but many of our mentors tend to stick around for a few more semesters) During the spring semester, you can choose to have an in-depth 2-4 hour (face to face) orientation training or you can take the online training option – while you are enrolled in the program you will receive supervision and professional support. We, however, require mentors (peer-buddies) to take responsibility for their role as ambassadors of the University, to adequately respond to questions they may receive from their peer-buddy, and dedicate an hour of their time every week to meet with their mentee in person. We believe personal meetings do foster growth and adjustment more efficiently.

How the program works:

For the entire period of the program, mentors receive weekly tasks (focus questions, helping tools) in order to structure their times with their mentees. During this personal one-on-one or small group meetings, they cover topics closely related to psychological and academic adjustments. At times peer-buddies complete fun activates across town in order to get recognition and gift items while competing with other peer-group formations. Mentors are also asked to provide feedback on the materials the office develops to check whether they respond to real needs, and address important issues. In the course of the two months, mentors and mentees are invited to take part in two exclusive social events designed for them to bring all involved in the peer-buddy program closer together while having fun.

What we offer:

  • Certificate of Intercultural Competence for our mentors
  • Exclusive team-building fun activities organized by the University
  • Social meetings with new people within the program
  • Various gift items
  • Access to resources so you can build successful peer-relationships
  • Helping you develop important transferable skills
  • Opportunities to increase your own confidence by helping others
  • Orientation training in the spring semester
  • Exclusive skill training (such as stress management, coaching etc.)

Join us if you have:

  • Completed at least your first academic year
  • Good communication skills
  • Openness/flexibility/patience
  • Capacity to take initiatives and ask questions
  • The capacity to follow instructions
  • Time to meet with mentee once a week (8 weeks in the fall or 6 weeks in the spring)
  • Empathy with someone who is totally new to studying in Hungary

Are you interested in becoming a peer mentor?

If you are interested in becoming a SAM-buddy peer-mentor and you are at least in your second year and have active student status you are welcome to fill in the online application form. Once you are done completing the application, you will be contacted by our office about all the further details. Please, also take a moment to read SAM-buddy rules & regulations so you know the guidelines the program operates by.

Benefits & challenges of the program

SAM-buddy (peer-mentoring) program is filled with great potentials for a student. It offers group activities, professionally managed support for mentors via the designated office and staff, and provides great practice of people skills even if you have no such school experience.

With most duties, peer-mentoring comes with the challenge, that you really need to have an open heart for listening, meanwhile fulfilling your own academic obligations (attending classes, studying, etc.) Thus, the office of peer-mentoring put together a peer-support program that is understanding the academic pressures of its volunteers.

Therefore:

  • both eight-week-long program in the fall or the six-week-long program in the spring ends before the midterms,
  • it offers flexible time management for scheduling your meetings with peer-buddy,
  • it does not require you to commit for more than one time (unless you like to continue your work),
  • it offers orientation training in the spring term so you can emotionally prepare for your “job”
  • it provides online “how to” resources for your role while gives you the liberty to respond to your mentoree’s needs as they come.

Please, read our Recruiting Brochure by clicking here, and share it with your fellow students. Feel free to write us an e-mail if you have any questions.

Orientation training

During the orientation training, peer-mentor candidates receive a practical overview of the program and its components. They will learn how to use the Central Information Hub (CIH) while working with their peer-buddies and also receive useful materials during the 2-4 hour long team building event. Peer mentors will also need to consent to SAM-buddy rules & regulations at the orientation.