STAY2GROW Mentoring Program Helps International Students Navigate Work and Life in Germany
How can international students successfully enter the German job market? What cultural differences and unwritten rules should they be aware of?
The STAY2GROW Mentoring Program is designed to provide international students with guidance and support as they navigate life and work in Germany. Led by the Federal Employment Agency Bundesagentur für Arbeit in close cooperation with other network partners, the program is currently being developed to support international students on their path into the regional job market for the first time.
Learning as equals – personal guidance for a successful career start
At the heart of the program is a one-on-one mentoring relationship, in which experienced professionals and business leaders from regional companies support international students over an initial period of six months. Students can apply to participate in the program. Following a selection process, they are carefully matched with volunteer mentors based on their backgrounds, interests, and career goals. Once matched, mentors and mentees meet regularly, with the frequency and format tailored to their individual needs. These conversations provide guidance, answer questions about working life in Germany, and offer mentees authentic insights into the regional workplace and professional culture. At the same time, mentors also benefit from the intercultural exchange, gaining valuable perspectives while getting to know talented international students on a personal level.
Experienced project lead
The organizational and program leadership of the STAY2GROW Mentoring Program is led by Helena Reimann from the Federal Employment Agency. Together with her colleague Jürgen Heldmann, she has been supporting international students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kamp-Lintfort for many years as they prepare to enter the workforce. Early in her own career, Helena Reimann participated in a mentoring program herself. Drawing on this personal experience, she understands the lasting impact that trusted guidance and support can have on both professional and personal development. These insights now play a key role in shaping the design and implementation of the new mentoring program.
Shaping the future together
The mentoring program is currently being further developed by Helena Reimann in close collaboration with the project partners. To give prospective mentors a better understanding of the program's objectives, structure, and expectations, an information session will be held for everyone interested in getting involved.
The program will also include both a kick-off event and a closing ceremony, providing participants with opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate their experience. Upon successful completion of the program, both students and mentors will receive a certificate recognizing their participation and commitment.
Through its Mentoring Program, STAY2GROW aims to support international talent on their path toward a successful professional future in the region. Meaningful personal relationships build trust, ease the transition into the German workforce, and make an important contribution to attracting and retaining international skilled professionals in the wir4 region over the long term.
You are employed in the wir4-region and interested in becoming a mentor, or learn more about this new program?
More information will be available soon on our website and through the wir4-Agentur´s newsletter.
