Mentors vs. Consultants, Coaches & Teachers – A Distinctive Role

Comparing the role of a mentor with other similar professions

In general, mentors can be defined as a wise or trusted counsellor who teaches or gives guidance to a person who is less experienced or a younger person. However, there can be a number of layers and types of mentorship which encompass a variety of approaches to supporting personal and professional development. For instance, traditional one-on-one mentorship involves a mentor guiding a mentee through challenges and goals; peer mentorship involves individuals at similar stages offering support and learning from each other; group mentorship facilitates collective learning among small groups of mentees under the guidance of a mentor; virtual or online mentorship breaks geographical barriers, while formal organizational programs pair employees for structured development; informal mentorship arises organically, offering valuable support; cross-cultural mentorship promotes understanding across diverse backgrounds. Each form provides unique benefits, catering to individual needs and fostering growth and success in various contexts.

Making the most of the mentorship experience requires different strategies. These strategies include getting to know one another, asking questions, listening, and forming a plan to get the student to where they want to go. Academic and career goals should be defined early in the mentorship relationship, as these determine the roadmap for the student and the skillset they need to develop. During this process, it is important that the mentor be accessible to the student and create a safe space that fosters learning and professional growth.

Within this frame of reference, it is advocated that the role of the mentor is to provide resources and guidance that meet the educational and professional development needs of international students.  The desirable traits and profile of mentors include a combination of personal characteristics, professional experience, and interpersonal skills that contribute to effective mentorship. For a mentorship experience to meet the unique needs of an international student, the mentor must understand each international student’s background, character, and purposes for studying in the host country and their expectations.

Furthermore, peer mentoring and tiered mentorship approaches are effective strategies to facilitate collective skill development and productivity and reduce social isolation among international students by promoting integration of the mentees in the host environment.

It is argued in this paper that mentor(s) can be a beacon of light to support international students in navigating the treacherous waters of these challenges.