Starting a new job can be exciting, but starting a new job in a new country brings a unique set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar systems to adjusting to a different workplace culture, the transition can feel daunting. At the University of Bath, we recognise this, and that’s why we’ve launched the International Mentorship Scheme, an initiative designed to help new international colleagues feel at home and become part of our vibrant community from day one.
All new international staff (both academic and professional services colleagues) will be offered the opportunity to be matched with a peer mentor. This is part of our wider effort to ensure that everyone who joins our University feels supported, connected, and valued.
The scheme is currently open to:
- Professional services staff within their probationary period (usually six months)
- Academic staff in their first year at the University
Through this initiative, we aim to address some of the practical and emotional gaps that often exist in formal onboarding processes. A peer mentor can make a huge difference, offering guidance on everything from understanding UK workplace norms and university systems to sharing local tips or simply lending a listening ear. It’s about helping our international colleagues build connections, find confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.
We work closely with colleagues in Human Resources to ensure that support for international staff continues to evolve and meet real needs. This mentorship scheme is a key part of that commitment, helping new staff settle in, while strengthening the inclusive and collegial spirit that defines Bath.
We are now actively looking for international staff who would benefit from having a peer mentor. As a mentee, you’ll be matched with someone who shares similar lived experiences and can offer insights, encouragement, and practical advice as you navigate your new environment.
At the same time, we are also inviting volunteers to become mentors. If you’ve ever been new to the UK or remember what it felt like to start fresh in an unfamiliar system, you’ll know how valuable that friendly connection can be. By volunteering as a mentor, you can make a real difference, helping someone else settle in while also developing your own leadership skills and building lasting relationships across the University.
Whether you’re showing someone how to find the best coffee on campus, explaining how the UK academic system works, or simply offering reassurance in those early weeks, your time and empathy can make Bath feel like home for someone else.
The International Mentorship Scheme is about more than guidance, it’s about community, belonging, and shared experience. Together, we can make sure every international colleague feels supported, included, and empowered to thrive.
As this is a pilot scheme, feedback from mentors and mentees will be gathered to assess its impact and help determine whether it should become a permanent part of the University’s support for international staff. To support this evaluation, all mentorship partnerships will conclude by June 2026, and the deadline for mentee applications is 1 December 2025.
To learn more or sign up as a mentor or mentee, please visit: Peer Mentoring Scheme for International Staff
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