The Center for Global Engagement welcomes international students from 10 international partner universities to campus each summer to experience American college life, develop intercultural competencies and improve their English skills. This summer 144 participants from Japan, S. Korea and Mexico are participating in three different ten-day sessions.
 
To support the students during their on campus stay, five FSU students or recent graduates are hired to live with them in the residence hall and serve as companions and resources. These peer mentors facilitate cultural and social events, eat meals with the program participants, and serve as the students’ first point of contact if they should have problems of any kind. The typical peer mentor is an upper-level FSU student who is knowledgeable about FSU, is interested in learning about other cultures, and has experience living in another culture, either through participation in an exchange program or extensive travel.

Read about the wonderful peer mentor team members below!
 
Alex Dormoy, from Metuchen, New Jersey, recently earned his bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems and will begin his master's studies in the same field at Florida State University this fall. Inspired by his transformative experience in the Global Exchanges program and studying at Waseda University in Japan, Alex became the program’s peer mentor coordinator to relive the joy of being in an international environment and to give back, much like the students in Japan helped him. Through this role, he hopes to create lasting memories by engaging in trips and activities with the students, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
 
So far, Alex has grown significantly on a personal level, honing his skills in clear and direct communication, public speaking, leadership, and program facilitation. Looking ahead, Alex plans to return to Japan, where he will continue his FSU master's program online while studying Japanese at Waseda University. His long-term ambition is to work for a company in an international environment, using his business degree, Japanese proficiency, and peer mentoring experience to thrive in a multicultural workplace.
 
Max Cleland, a rising senior from Jacksonville, Florida, is majoring in Japanese at Florida State University. He became a mentor due to his keen interest in global interactions and the opportunity to engage with students from around the world before his Global Exchange in Japan this fall. Max views this role as a valuable chance to practice his Japanese language skills and to develop cultural competencies by immersing himself in diverse cultures. Throughout his experience as a peer mentor, Max has learned some Korean from his Korean peers and has formed new friendships with people he might not have otherwise met. Looking ahead, Max aspires to become a doctor and believes that having a global perspective and understanding different ways of thinking will be essential in his medical career.
 
Emma Brown, a rising sophomore from Baltimore, Maryland, is majoring in Criminology and Middle Eastern Studies. She was inspired to become a peer mentor due to her desire to work abroad and her interest in experiencing diverse cultures. Emma's father was an international student, and she wants to give back by helping students who are in a similar situation as he once was. Through her role, she aims to help people feel welcome and adapt to new experiences, hoping to see a direct impact on their lives. So far, Emma has forged numerous friendships and connections, both with fellow peer mentors and international students, gaining new perspectives along the way. One of her most memorable moments was witnessing the reactions of Korean students during the 4th of July celebrations. After graduating, Emma plans to use the skills and experiences gained from this role to foster community and connection, with aspirations of studying abroad and ultimately becoming a public defender.
 
Charlize Darroux is a junior from Orlando, Florida, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Commercial Entrepreneurship. Inspired by her friend’s suggestion and her love for cultural diversity, Charlize decided to become a peer mentor. Her involvement in campus cultural activities, including her role as the Caribbean Student Association Membership Chair, motivated her to pay forward the support she received by helping others. Charlize aims to observe and experience various cultural norms firsthand, learning to respect and understand them while sharing American and Southern hospitality values. Through her mentorship, she has met numerous people, positively impacted their lives, and provided them with a safe learning environment. This experience has been immensely rewarding, teaching her about herself and others. Post-graduation, Charlize aspires to attend law school and believes that her cultural awareness will enhance her leadership skills, particularly in international or healthcare law, allowing her to integrate her knowledge of diverse cultures into her professional life.
 
Rylan Eichem, a rising senior from Tampa, Florida, is majoring in International Affairs with a minor in Chinese. Having previously participated in a Global Exchange to Taiwan, Rylan fell in love with the experience and wanted to replicate that enriching journey for students arriving here. As a peer mentor, Rylan aims to use and improve his interpersonal skills by working with people from diverse cultures and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese and Korean cultures. So far, Rylan has enhanced his ability to communicate with people from new countries, finding common ground in sports and pop culture, which brings back fond memories of his time in Taiwan. After graduating, Rylan aspires to work in foreign affairs.