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International Peer Leader Program
The International Peer Leader (IPL) Program is a virtual summer program where IPLs mentor a group of new undergraduate or graduate international students by answering questions before and after their arrival and helping to welcome new students to the W&M community.
IPLs introduce new students to the university from a student perspective. The advice and support peer leaders give to new students are invaluable-- they provide one of the most important parts of welcoming our new students!
Why Become an International Peer Leader?
The International Peer Leader Program is a chance for current W&M students to share their knowledge of the university and serve as a role model to new, incoming students. Not only will you have a chance to learn about different cultures, but you may also make a new life-long friend! Students looking to build their personal and professional competencies can expect to enhance their skills in the following areas:
- Leadership: Enhance your advising and leadership experience
- Equity & Inclusion: Develop intercultural competencies through working with a diverse student population.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Gain skills to build collaborative relationships with students. Strengthen ability to work with diverse populations.
- Critical Thinking: Opportunities to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.
What to Expect as an International Peer Leader
- Assist W&M’s newest international students as they transition to life in the U.S.
- Serve as a Peer Leader for a group of new graduate international students by providing pre-arrival support and mentoring over the summer
- Stay in touch with students in your group via virtual platforms (e.g., email, text, video chat) before they arrive and answer their questions about life at W&M
- Check-in with your group of students at least 3 times (via email or other forms of communication) during the Fall semester
- There may be opportunities for IPLs to participate in ISSP's in-person social events during International Student Orientation in late August
Eligibility for the International Peer Leader Program
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student at W&M
- Plan to re-enroll at W&M in the academic semester immediately following the start of the IPL summer program
- Be available for approximately 3 hours of work per week from May - August
- Participate in a mandatory one-hour training in late April
- Ability to work comfortably with a diverse group of students
- Be professional and enthusiastic; ability to serve as a role model
- Be an ambassador for W&M (e.g., knowledgeable and excited about W&M)
Application Timeline & Calendar for Summer & Fall 2026
| Monday, February 16 | |
| Sunday, March 15 at 11:59pm EDT | Peer Leader Applications Due |
| Monday, March 30 | Peer Leader Decision Notifications |
| Friday, April 3 | Peer Leader Acceptance Due |
| Peer Leader In-Person Training | |
| Mid-May - August | Communicate with and provide pre-arrival support to a group of incoming international students |
| Fall 2026 Semester | Check-in at least 3 times with your students |
Thank you for your interest in serving as an International Peer Leader! Questions? Please contact Lauren Devan.