French Peer Mentoring Program - C'est la vie universitaire!


What is it?

The French Peer Mentoring Program (C'est la vie universitaire!) is a free mentoring program for first year students of French at the university. It pairs beginner students with a voluntary mentor and is designed to assist first year students in adapting to university life and with their study of the French language.

Who can get involved?

For mentees

Any students studying first year beginner French (French 1) are welcome to become involved as a mentee. Mentees are encouraged to bring to their weekly meetings with their mentors any language questions they have relating to French studies or other aspects of university life. They are required to complete a questionnaire at the end of the program to provide feedback on their experience.

For mentors

Any second-year (or more) advanced level student (undergraduate French 5, 7, honours, masters or doctorate), native speaker or Francophone exchange student wanting to help first year students adapt to university life and provide them with academic support in French is encouraged to apply to be a mentor. Mentors must be prepared to provide weekly individual support to up to two mentees (10 weeks, 10 hours) and keep a reflective learning journal of the learning and academic outcomes of their voluntary experience.

Benefits

For mentees

  • Free individual learning support with a trained mentor in all areas of French language study: grammar, vocabulary, reading, pronunciation, conversation and writing skills.
  • Enhanced insight into French culture and Francophone societies.
  • An enjoyable, fun and supportive environment to make new friends and ease the transition into university life.

For mentors

  • Recognised training provided by the faculty (3 hours in total).
  • Gain valuable, rewarding and confidence-building volunteer experience while sharing your skills and knowledge in French.
  • Mentors will get official recognition for their People Leadership skills through Melbourne Plus. More information is available here.
  • For mentors who are also enrolled in French 7, the French Peer Mentoring Program will be built in as part of their assessment and recognised as Work Integrated Learning.

Timeline

Mentees will be recruited in Weeks 1 - 2 of first semester 2024. Mentoring will start in Week 4. Training dates are yet to be established.

Application

Apply to be a mentee

Apply to be a mentor

Enquiries

Enquiries about C'est la vie universitaire! i can be addressed by email to Sandrine Michel (project coordinator).