Be a Mentor

Apply to be a mentor

World Academy Mentors play an important role in the World Academy for the Future of Women program.
Mentors are assigned to members for a year-long program to engage with them in conversations using English to enable the members to use and increase their proficiency in English. Skills in expressive and receptive language improve significantly through this exchange. A strong relationship develops through this connection.

All World Academy curriculum and classes are conducted in English with local language translation when needed. The acceleration of members English is extraordinary through this process. The advantage, a World Academy Mentor provides is the opportunities to listen, to utilize their English, and to have a committed listener to coach them with their grammar, their vocabulary, and their pronunciation. It also expands their opportunity to see themselves as a global citizen with an international partner to share their points of view, culture, and contribute to their growth and development as a leader.

Mentors are requested to schedule a minimum of two, half hour calls with their Mentee each week. Topics are open to the interests and relationships between the Mentor and Mentee’ however conversations on religion and politics are not permitted. Topics aligned with the mentees academic major, their professional goals, their families, hobbies, activities in the World Academy, and their awareness of issues related to women such as social justice, gender equality, or human dignity, are popular topics of conversation. The bonding and relationships that develop are meaningful, enduring, and sustainable. Although the Mentor agreement is a year-long agreement it is not uncommon for friendships to extend far beyond the required timeline. Calls are often conducted on Zoom, WeChat, Ding Talk, Skype, or a choice made between the Mentor and Mentee.

To become a Mentor, submit the Introduction and Application found on this website. Upon receipt and approval of the Application, a World Academy members will be matched as a Mentee to begin immediately. Periodic Mentor Zoom calls are scheduled to share the exchanges mentors are having, with their Mentees, to seek more ideas for strengthening mentorships, or seek advice regarding a challenge or issue.

Applications are being accepted for Mentors who have a commitment to accelerating women’s leadership, fluent English skills, access to communicating on-line, strong conversation skills, command of English grammar, the ability to listen without judgement and to advise the WAFW members on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, through communicate and exchange of information.

A Mentor Application is included. We welcome your application.

Virginia Berger (USA)

Certified retirement coach

I would be honored to continue mentoring students at the World Academy for the Future of Women to support and expand the leadership, team-building, English, and other skills that they are learning at the Academy. As I share my wisdom and experience with the students, I am learning as well and am creating a valuable friendship that transcends borders.

Helen Twite (UK)

Former Vice-President Customers Rolls-Royce, Greater China, Head of Commercial

After 1 year of mentoring Mika, it is astonishing to look back at our progress. My mentee has improved her confidence in using English and is rapidly growing into a self-assured young leader, ready to speak up and take on responsibility. Mentoring is a 2-way street and I have learned so much about Chinese culture, myself and my own leadership style as a participant in the programme; skills I could not have developed from attending a Zoom seminar or reading a self-help book. We both hope to build our relationship into the future, to start to think about career paths and expand leadership skills as my mentee takes her first steps into a successful career in Finance.

Petra Owusu (UK)

Principal at Boyden, Leadership Consulting / Executive Coach / Emotional Intelligence Practitioner

I have been with my mentee for four months now, and it feels like we have known each other for a long time. I was amazed about how welcoming everyone was and how quickly my mentee and I comfortable having a regular conversation about anything that was on her mind. It has been a fantastic experience, not just because it feels good to help but because of our conversations and some of the questions she asks, I get to reflect on who I am and want to be. Hence, I feel enriched going through this journey together. I would love to continue with the mentee I currently have. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

George Ubbelohde (Belgium)

Hospitality executive / entrepreneur / professional trainer and educator

The journey has been valuable for both myself and my mentee Naomi Ma. In the very beginning, we would take a long time to find the right pace of communication, when Naomi had to strongly adjust her basic English learning. However, over the time, she started to get prepared in advance in regards of the topics to discuss, thus the communication got more fluent and valuable for her. In the recent weeks she could communicate easily without any preparation. The big achievement was when Naomi got selected to various students’ committees as “leader” and we had to discuss her expectations and the ways to achieve her role. I know that she did a wonderful job and created a positive image I her team. I can conclude that, the mentorship journey has been successful.

Sara Tanhaee (Memphis)

Vice President of Global Sourcing

I have been connecting with Layer for only a brief 5 months, but in this short time, it has been great to see Layer open up and see the excitement in her as she discovers her potential. In our first session, she was very shy and spoke very little. By now, she reaches out to me, always curious, asking about so many different topics. She is very interested in her future, and I have really enjoyed being a part of her journey in learning and growing as a young woman finding her way. This mentorship has had just as many benefits for me, as I hope it has had for Layer.

Fabiola Benitez (Canada)

ESL teacher, the Co-founder of Global Friendship, Community Builder

I can see a lot of myself in Florrie, as I’ve always been someone who wants to do everything, all at once. I tried to mentor Florrie in letting her know that she doesn’t have to rush everything, but rather can choose a few goals to conquer and then, can proceed onto her next goals. I was able to see an improvement in Florrie’s oral English as well, from the beginning of our relationship to now. She told me she came as one of the top in her oral English class and seemed very proud of herself. I really enjoyed my time being a mentor, and can only wish great accomplishments for Florrie’s life ahead. I truly recommend the WAFW mentorship experience to anyone who has wanted to be a mentor in the past, anyone who loves being a support to others, and anyone who loves learning and sharing. As a mentor, I can say I too learned a lot from my mentee, Florrie!

Shirley has been with me for two years. She is the most gentle and brave woman I have ever met. I still remember that when I had a video call with Shirley at the beginning, I did not know how to express myself fluently in English, but she always encouraged me to express myself and taught me many skills patiently and carefully. Shirley has always encouraged me to make a clear plan for the future, and the topic of every communication is always my thoughts on my future life. I am very grateful to her for trusting me so much and giving me help and support. Now I am no longer confused about the future, but more determined and brave to take actions! I remember that I shared with Shirley that I lacked communication with my parents before, but she always encouraged me to try and always listened to my ideas like my mother. It is really a great honor for me to have a mentor like Shirley.

Vivi Guo (2021-2022)

English Major Student

I worked with Fernando on the mentor program for a year, during which we spoke on Zoom twice a week. I feel very grateful for being Fernando's mentee and my participation in this program. Because what I have learned from my mentor is not only career skills but also life. I finally understand that a happy life comes not only from work achievements but also from friends and family. I also learned how to hear and assert my own voice above the noise. During the year when I was the project manager, I often didn't know how to do. Fortunately, my mentor always stood behind me and helped me move forward. Now I have the courage to set sail in any sea! Finally, my sincere thanks to WAFWand my mentor Fernando

Wonder Jiang (2021-2022)

Advertising Major Student

Helen is my one-to-one mentor. We've been in touch since my freshman year. I'm very proud that Helen and me have been in touch for more than two years. In the past two years, Helen and me talked about everything. We disscussed careers, studies, life, love, values on life, world values and so on. And it's amazing that every time I talk to Helen, I get full of motivation.She often encourages me to try new things. When I feel difficult to make decisions, she once said to me: "The terrible thing is not to make wrong decisions and choices, but never to make big decisions and choices." I can always see the confidence, generosity and self-discipline in Helen, which encourage me to move forward bravely.She is like my life mentor. Sometimes we talk about life and study like friends. Sometimes we talk about serious and important things like teacher and student. Anyway, Helen and me have become the most important people in each other's lives. I really appreciate the generosity of Helen, even in her very busy life, she still chose to fulfill the agreement with me. Thank you very much Helen. I love you.

Mika Song (2021-2022)

Finance Management Major Student

When Jenny came to WAFW to give lessons to WAFW members, we all loved her very much and gained a lot of knowledge and insights in her class. I feel very lucky to meet Jenny, and I am also very surprised to be her mentee. We meet online every Sunday. Jenny will pay close attention to my state, my life, and help me face and solve my problems. She will always help me open my mind and help me look at my problems from different perspectives. In the weekly discussion, Jenny will also invite other WAFW members to participate in our meeting. We will share the recent situation with each other and discuss some topics together. The thought collision between different members will also make us look at things from a more diverse perspective. The weekly mentor meeting is like a charging station. We give each other strength and support, which empowers me. I want to say, thank you for your contribution, Jenny, I love you very much.

Echo Zhao (2021-2022)

Business Administration Major Student