ISMP at UIUC

is the local chapter of the International Student Mentorship Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, at Champaign-Urbana, IL. Our mission is to mentor international students with their transition to their studies in America through mentorship from alumni and working professionals. 

〰️ ISMP

Urbana-Champaign

欢迎

• ようこそ

• 어서 오세

• Selamat Datang

• Hoan nghênh

• ยินดีต้อนรับ

〰️ ISMP Urbana-Champaign 欢迎 • ようこそ • 어서 오세 • Selamat Datang • Hoan nghênh • ยินดีต้อนรับ

📅 Fri, September 26, 2025
6:30pm - 7:30 pm

📍 Huff Hall 1002

10 Tips on Being an International Student in America

Testimonials

“As an international student, the ISMP mentor program was instrumental throughout my two years of graduate studies, helping me adjust to the local mindset and communication style. Initially, I struggled with interviews because I focused on proving my skills instead of actively listening and connecting with others. I also had a habit of interrupting people, but my mentor advised me to wait three seconds after someone finished speaking to ensure they were done before responding. These insights transformed my communication approach, and as a result, I was able to secure both an internship and a full-time job. ISMP truly helped me navigate and succeed in a new environment.”

-Jolin, MA in Information Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

What We Offer

1-1/Small Group Mentorship

Get personalized help from a local mentor!

Sample topics:

  • Practicing English

  • Career Preparation

  • Cultural Adjustment in America

  • Stress and Time Management

  • Social Interactions and Relationships

  • Anything that helps you!

Meet The Mentors

  • Krista Lee

    Krista Lee

    Associate Veterinarian @ Albin Animal Hospital

    BS - Animal Science, University of California, Davis

    DVM - University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine

  • Image of Daryl Lee

    Daryl Lee

    Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer @ Aerodynamic Solutions, Inc.

    MS - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis

  • Image of Jay

    Jay Zheng

    Sr. Data Engineer @ Sutter Health

    BS - Applied Statistics in Mathematics, University of California, Davis

  • Image of Betty

    Betty Zheng

    Sr. Consultant @ Ryan LLC

    BA - Design and Communication,  University of California, Davis

  • image of Wilson

    Wilson Li

    Design Engineer @ Litania Sports Group

    MS - Mechanical Engineering,
    California State University, Sacramento

  • image of Amber

    Amber Li

    Human Resources Representative @ UIUC - Illinois Human Resources Department

    BS - Managerial Economics,
    University of California, Davis

  • Image of Elijah

    Elijah Ye

    Special Project Intern @ Rivian

    Currently pursuing

    MS - Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Image of Romero

    Romero Isa

    Software Engineer @ Headline

    BS - Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • image of Jose

    Jose Sanchez

    Sr. Accessibility & Quality Assurance Analyst @ Pearson

    BS - Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis

  • Jonathan Santos

    Digital Media Producer @ UIUC - Gies College of Business

    BS - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    University of California, Davis