Graduate Welcome Volunteers
The International Graduate Welcome Volunteer Program (GWVP) is a team of IU Indianapolis graduate students that volunteer their time to help new international graduate students coming to IU Indianapolis. The mentors are selected by the Office of International Affairs, and trained to assist new students in many areas such as:
- Answering pre-arrival questions
- Getting settled in Indianapolis
- Finding your way around IU Indy and Indianapolis
- Meeting people and getting involved on campus
- Understanding American culture
- Dealing with cultural adjustment
- Understanding the American system of education
All of these topics are very important to new students. Getting help will make your transition to IU Indianapolis much easier, and you will have the chance to make many new friends through this program.
Who are the volunteers?
GWVP volunteers are IU Indianapolis students just like you, but they have been studying at IU Indy for at least one semester. Our volunteers come from all over the world. Some are American, and many are international students themselves. Volunteers join this program because they understand the challenges of living in a new place, and they want to help and make new friends.
How can I get a mentor?
To sign up for the Graduate Welcome Volunteer Program, go to Atlas (Limited Services) and use your student identification number and your date of birth to log in. Locate the "Graduate Welcome Volunteer" tab under Admission and Orientation on the left hand side of the page. Simply fill out the form, submit it, and the Office of International Affairs will receive your request. The matching process begins in June and will continue on a rolling basis. Once the matching process begins, you will be matched with a current graduate student who will contact you by email.
Sign up in AtlasIf you have questions about the program, please contact the International Programming Assistant at oiaprgms@iu.edu.
