Become a Mentee
New to the University of Freiburg and eager for guidance? Start strong with ICM and become a mentee! Let a mentor be your guide.
Registration starts in September and lasts until mid-October (or until there are no more mentors left). The matching of mentor and mentee takes place in September and early October.
All international degree-seeking students who start their studies at the University of Freiburg in the winter semester of 2026/27 can be mentees. Please complete your matriculation first, and then you may join ICM as a mentee.
By becoming a mentee, you’ll be starting your uni experience on the right foot. A mentor will be assigned to you according to subject of study (when possible) to provide you with regular support and advice.
Benefits include:
- Get a local “go to” person – a dedicated mentor who walks you through everyday life in Freiburg, from German student culture to practical matters like public transport and other daily logistics.
- Navigate university life with confidence – insider knowledge on how the university is organised, how modules and enrolment work, where to find academic advice, and which campus services will help you succeed.
- Build a global network – meet German peers and fellow internationals at structured mixers and informal hang outs, expanding your social circle instantly.
- Boost your skills – free workshops on intercultural communicative and social competences, all designed to sharpen your soft skill toolbox.
- Enjoy a vibrant social calendar – access to a year round programme of inspiring, fun events – city tours, game nights, sporting activities, creative events, cultural festivals and free-of-charge outings that let you explore Freiburg and its community.
- Leave with a concrete proof of achievement – earn an official ICM Certificate that you can showcase on your résumé as evidence of successful participation.
- Meet with your mentor in person at least twice during the semester.
- Attend the kick-off event and the closing event.
- Be reliable and punctual for every meeting with your mentor and arrive prepared with discussion topics.
- Share your cultural experiences openly with others.
- Complete the final reflection form at the end of the semester.
Become a Mentor
Interested in supporting international students? Join us as a mentor! We’re now recruiting mentors for the winter semester of 2026/27. If you’re keen on becoming an ICM mentor next semester, simply fill out the registration form, and we’ll be in touch!
As a mentor, you’ll guide international students (mentees) across various degree programmes using your personal student experiences. You’ll be matched with your mentee at the beginning of October, before the semester starts. Plus, we’ll offer a mentor workshop to support you in your role.
During the summer semester, you can join our social events to meet fellow ICM participants.
German and international students from any faculty who are in their second semester or beyond may serve as mentors.
- Make a real difference – share your insider knowledge of German (university) life and help mentees settle in faster.
- Gain cross‑cultural insight – exchange everyday experiences with students from more than 50 nations.
- Expand your expertise – attend practical workshops on cultural sensitivity, career development and intercultural communication.
- Develop collaborative networking skills – interact regularly with fellow mentors, the ICM coordination team, and occasional guest‑speaker experts.
- Join cultural nights, city tours and other fun activities – perfect opportunities for making lifelong friends.
- Practice English (or another language) – engage in informal conversations with your mentee and the wider ICM community.
- Earn an ICM Mentor Certificate – official proof of your intercultural, interpersonal and leadership abilities, ideal for boosting your CV or LinkedIn profile.
- Hold at least two face‑to‑face meetings with your mentee(s) during the semester.
- Attend the mentor workshop, the kick‑off event, and the closing event.
- Reach out to mentees at least once a week electronically or by another agreed‑upon method (in addition to the required face‑to‑face meetings).
- Be reliable and punctual for every scheduled meeting.
- Share your cultural experiences openly with others.
- Complete the final reflection form at the end of the semester.
You can register as a mentor for the upcoming winter semester between April and September. The registration link can then be found here.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
Bouldering
8 September, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
We are defying gravity as we enjoy an evening climbing together. Please note that the amount of seats for this event is limited.
Crochet Evening
17 September, 5 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for this relaxing and laidback evening as we crochet together, no matter your skill level.
How to mentor workshop
24 September, 4 – 6 p.m.
This workshop will prepare you for your mentoring role in the winter semester. If you are a first-time ICM mentor, attendance of one of the How to mentor workshops (later dates: 8 October) is obligatory to ensure a sucessful mentoring experience for both you and your mentee.
Past Events
So far in Summer Term 2026
How to Mentor Workshop
What does it mean to be a mentor? What kind of questions will my mentee have? Do I have to know everything?
These were topics of our first workshop on mentoring basics, in which we prepare the ICM mentors for their new role. It was the perfect opportunity to learn, reflect and realize just how much their personal experience and guidance can help a newly arrived international student.
And no, mentors don’t have to know the answer to every single question. But they are here to support you and look for the answer together!
Summer, Sun and Seepark
On a blistering hot Saturday, we gathered for an afternoon of sunshine, games, and relaxation in true summer spirit.
With drinks, sun protection, and outdoor games in hand, we kept things flexible and turned an unexpectedly small get-together into a cozy cafe outing, complete with board games and easygoing conversation. This proved once again that you don’t need a large group to enjoy good company.
Todtnau’s Terrific Toboggan Run
Meeting bright and early at Freiburg main station, we headed to Todtnau for an adrenaline-fueled toboggan adventure.
The weather started off warm but cooled down just in time, which we were secretly grateful for! The queue for tickets gave us plenty of time to soak up the anticipation and chat before the real fun began – and the ride itself made it all worthwhile, a proper adrenaline kick that had everyone grinning from ear to ear.
A truly thrilling way to spend a Sunday!
Cyclopes in Cinema
As the final phase of the semester unfolds, we felt it was time to take a break from studying and leave the stress of exams behind for an evening.
The perfect opportunity came with our latest event: Cyclopes in Cinema. On a Monday evening, we gathered at Freiburg’s Friedrichsbau cinema to watch the new blockbuster The Odyssey. For several hours, we were immersed in a world of epic journeys, fierce battles, and dramatic twists as the legendary tale unfolded on the big screen.
The film transported us into the fascinating world of Greek mythology, providing a welcome escape from everyday university life – a great evening of entertainment and a perfect way to recharge.
Museum für Neue Kunst
For the farewell to our most loyal and experienced HiWi, Mavie, we visited the Museum für Neue Kunst in Freiburg’s historic old town.
Across several floors, we explored interactive installations and games that encouraged us to rethink the meaning of competition and what it means to play with – or against – one another. One of our favourite exhibits, supported by SC Freiburg legend Christian Streich as patron, was a wonderfully chaotic reinterpretation of table tennis that challenged all conventional rules and provided plenty of laughter.
We rounded off the afternoon with a relaxed coffee break, cooling our feet in Freiburg’s famous Bächle – a memorable outing and a fitting farewell to Mavie’s time with us.
Blackforestline
This week, we visited the Blackforestline near Freiburg for an unforgettable adventure.
After a beautiful hike through the Black Forest, we reached the bridge. Stretching 450 metres across the valley and suspended around 120 metres above the ground, the Blackforestline offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and forests.
Although the bridge was definitely a little wobbly, everyone was brave enough to make it across! The slight swaying only made the experience more exciting, and it was absolutely worth it for the stunning scenery! In the end, we were treated to some cake by some friendly locals. What a fantastic day!
Minigolf Madness
How many hits would you need to finish this minigolf course?
This week, we headed back to Funstrand to challenge our skills with their fun twist on regular minigolf. With bigger courses, weirder obstacles, and plenty of unexpected challenges, we spent the afternoon outside in the sunshine, enjoying a well-deserved break from our approaching exam stress.
In the end, we had a fantastic community event, disagreeing on just one thing: Does it count as a stroke if you blow on the golf ball to get it into the hole?
Karaoke Kings & Queens
With lots of talent and even more enthusiasm, our ICM members became real Karaoke Kings and Queens this week!
Together, we visited the Pool Bar and joined the Pride Special edition of their monthly Karaoke Night. Everybody could decide whether they wanted to perform a song of their own choice or have a random song assigned to them, often by a female or queer artist.
We were amazed by the musical talent of both our members and the other participants, and everyone enjoyed an incredible evening. In the end, the event turned into a celebration of unity and diversity, making it the favourite event of many of us!
Tour de Mundenhof
This week, ICM mentors and mentees went on a bike ride together!
Taking a detour to Opfinger See, the brave-hearted members of the group even interrupted their trip for a quick dip in the chilly waters. We then continued to Mundenhof, a large animal park, where we enjoyed some ice cream as a reward for our biking efforts before exploring the park and getting to know its inhabitants.
It is safe to say that we were all astonished to see so much wildlife so close to the city—and the ostrich was definitely our favourite animal!
Schauinsland Sundown
We took Germany’s longest cable car up to the top of the Schauinsland, where we were rewarded with some amazing views over the Black Forest and beyond.
After taking in the scenery and exploring the area, we sat down together for a traditional German Brotzeit, enjoying a simple but delicious hiking dinner with bread, cheese, and (vegan) ham. As the evening went on, we made our way back down the mountain as the sun slowly set.
It was a relaxed and memorable trip that gave everyone a chance to enjoy Freiburg’s beautiful surroundings.
Frisbee Fever
Disc golfing is a bit like mini golf (just with frisbees) and, as we discovered on Thursday, an absolute blast!
This week, the ICM community came together to put their skills to the test in this trending sport while enjoying a sunny afternoon outdoors. We quickly learned that disc golf is definitely not as easy as it looks, but all the more fun because of it! After plenty of trial and error (which we’re sure was entirely due to the questionable quality of the frisbees and not our skill level ;)), everyone got into the spirit of the game.
In the end, Fabi was crowned the ICM Disc Golf Champion, but everyone left with a happy heart and a new sport they’ll surely return to.
Pass the Paining
This Thursday, we spent a lovely afternoon together and let our creativity run free on the canvas.
Together, we really tested the saying that “too many cooks spoil the soup” by making each and every painting a group activity: Every 10 minutes, we passed all of the canvases on to the person next to us to continue painting.
Within a few entertaining hours, we created masterpieces — unmatched in their randomness! (Who would have thought that several people would draw smoking fish with feet?!)
It was quite fun to see that all of the paintings turned out so vastly different, despite the fact that it was the same group of people working on them! In the end, everyone got to take home one painting — and the great memory of all the people who had worked on it.
May the 4th be with you
May the 4th be with you, dear ICM community!
To celebrate the international day of a beloved Sci-Fi franchise, we got together this week to geek of and show our knowledge when it comes to the film industry!
Our participants competed in a movie trivia game – would you have known if Neo picked the red pill or the blue one? How high is the percentage of movies passing the bechdel test? Can you recognize your favourite show if you only get to see a few emojis describing it? After our top contestants tied in the Quiz, recognizing iconic soundtracks in Hitster served as a tiebreaker to establish who really is ICMs biggest film geek!
Closing Event
As the Winter Semester 25/26 came to a close, we gathered to celebrate the special journey of the Intercultural Mentoring Program (ICM). We took time to recognize the dedication and effort of all of our mentors and mentees in the past months. Without yozu, this semester of shared experiences, survived culture schocks and personal growth would not have been possible, and we thank you for it from the bottom of our hearts!
The celebration continued with international finger food buffet. Here, everyone had the chance to connect to the other participants by sharing their stories and experiences of the last semester.
Although the mentoring phase has come to an end, the ICM program will continue: stay tuned for upcoming social events, workshops, and cultural activities, we can’t wait to see you there!
Murder Mystery
Could you have solved this case?
This week, ICM mentees and mentors joined forces to uncover the true story behind the death of Malachai Stout, head of the influencial (yet fictional) Stout family.
Through heated discussions, we unraveled the complex relationships between family members, analyzed clues, and shared our suspicions. By roleplaying the family members in pairs, we worked together as a team to solve the mystery of the sudden death of grandpa Stout.
The dramatic music added to this thrilling experience all of us will remember for a long ime to come!
Volcano Wanderlust
This Friday, ICM set out to welcome the summer semester. To mark the occasion, we took the train to the small town of Ihringen in the Kaiserstuhl region. We hiked through vineyards and over the fertile hills of this low mountain range, enjoying stunning views that stretched beyond Ihringen, across the Rhine, all the way to the Vosges Mountains.
Along the way, we learned a great deal about this fascinating volcanic landscape and about who bears responsibility for preserving its natural beauty (each and every visitor). Our return route led us through a forest reminiscent of the Black Forest, where we heard numerous birds—including a loud, industrious woodpecker.
Back in Ihringen, we rounded off the day by enjoying a coffee in a charming local café before heading back to Freiburg.
Mosaic Mug Holders
What could be better to do on a rainy day than staying at home and working with clay? Exactly—doing it together with ICM! Once again, at our Mosaic Mug Holders event, participants were able to showcase their remarkable creativity and let their hands run free.
A wide variety of artworks emerged, including pizza slices, dogs, and coasters—all carefully crafted from clay by hand. The different pieces were then perfected using the many decorative options provided by ICM, such as beads, paint, and small mosaic tiles.
After all, why buy coasters when you can design and create much more beautiful ones yourself?
Winter Term 2025/26
Happy Christmas with ICM
For our final event before the Christmas break, we came together at the Mensa Bar along with members of the International Club. With the help of dedicated ICM volunteers, we set up two activity stations.
At the gingerbread house station, a festive atmosphere and plenty of fun were guaranteed. Steady hands and creative minds were put to the test, and, of course, many cookies were enjoyed along the way. Soon, the houses went far beyond the original template, featuring multiple stories, balconies, and imaginative decorations.
Our fine motor skills were also challenged at the origami station, where folders of all experience levels created beautiful shapes and figures.
Later in the evening, we played several rounds of Kahoot and sang many Christmas songs. Naturally, Kinderpunsch and Glühwein were also part of the celebration.
After a wonderful evening, the ICM year came to a close, and we headed into the Christmas break.
Escape Jigsaw Puzzels
On Sunday, we took the opportunity to visit Emmendingen on the one weekend when its Christmas market extends into Lammstraße, offering even more stalls to explore and decorations to admire. The charming old town delighted us with its half-timbered houses and picturesque alleys.
One of the highlights of the evening was gathering in the market square to listen to a local band performing an impressive mix of classics, modern hits, and Christmas songs.
After the performance, we wrapped up our lovely outing and took the train back to Freiburg.
Emmendingen Christmas Market
For today’s event, we met in the evening to enjoy a festive and fun time together. We tackled two Escape Jigsaw puzzles that our ICM student assistant, Mavie, had brought along. These puzzles come with a delightful twist: once the jigsaw is completed, a hidden mystery appears within the image, which you can then solve just like in an escape-room game.
When our backs started to ache from leaning over the table for too long, we took a short break to grab a cup of tea or enjoy some gingerbread, Christmas stollen, and tangerines before diving back into the puzzles. And of course, all of this took place to the sound of Christmas music — practically a given at any ICM event this time of year.
Feedback & ICM Certificate
To recognise your commitment as an ICM mentor or mentee, you can request a certificate after completing your mentoring journey.
We’d love to hear about your experience! Your feedback helps us understand what worked well and how we can improve the programme for future participants. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing the form below.
At the end of the form, you’ll also have the option to request your certificate.
The ICM Team
Ester Gnandt (she/her)
ICM Coordinator
Your contact person for all questions concerning the programme::
– conducting the recruitment and matching of mentors and mentees
– in charge of the process design and management
– planning the programme’s events, workshops and trainings
– offering (conflict-) consulting
I firmly believe that mentoring can make a big difference in the lives of students here at the university. Newcomers get help navigating the academic maze, decoding cultural nuances and finding their footing in a brand-new chapter of their lives, while mentors grow into stronger, more empathetic and more confident leaders. Seeing these connections come to life and witnessing their positive effects is why I enjoy coordinating the Intercultural Mentoring Programme (ICM) at the University of Freiburg so much.
At ICM we bring students together in friendly mentor-mentee pairings, building a warm, supportive community. Through regular meet-ups, training sessions and hands-on workshops, we offer an enriching mentoring experience that enables us to swap ideas, learn side by side, and grow together.
Mentoring is not just about grades. It is a boost for personal development, confidence and belonging. Whether you are looking for guidance as a mentee or want to give back as a mentor, we would love to have you on board.
Share your story, learn from others, and become part of an amazing community – join ICM today!
Fabian Bergmann (he/him)
Student Assistant
Hey or „Salli“ as you can say in Freiburg! My name is Fabian and I am studying Mathematics and Sports here in Germany´s sunniest city.
Here at ICM we have the amazing opportunity of international dialogue and exchange, so we can all get to know each other’s backgrounds, cultures and approaches to life. Since I have great joy when learning about different sides of the world and its cultures, I am really looking forward to spending time at ICM. Furthermore, I am thrilled to contribute to a great start for internationals in this beautiful region.
In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor-sports like running, road-cycling or hiking. Besides that, I love spending time with friends, whether it is chatting in Freiburg´s cafes, playing games at each other’s homes or having fun outside.
Mavie Klink (she/her)
Student Assistant
Hey! My name is Mavie, and I am currently studying French and Mathematics here in Freiburg. I have a deep passion for connecting with new people and exchanging ideas about our different perspectives on life and the world. I believe that intercultural dialogue is a powerful source of inspiration, offering the opportunity for growth in understanding and empathy. That’s why I’m excited to be a part of the ICM team, where I hope to actively contribute to creating meaningful experiences for others.
Beyond my academic interests and love for interpersonal exchange, I am also enthusiastic about learning new languages. In my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending quality time with my friends, engaging in creative crafts and writing poetry.