FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MENTORING ST. LOUIS
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International Mentoring St. Louis (IMSTL) is a unique initiative in St. Louis devoted to integrating talented international women and their families into the community and creating global connections through meaningful mentorships
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The mission is to connect international women and their families with St. Louisans, empowering them to thrive in the region. Through meaningful mentorships, we enhance intercultural awareness and make St. Louis a more welcoming, inclusive and attractive destination for global talent. Ultimately our goal is to turn newcomers into proud St. Louisans and enable them to serve as ambassadors for our region, propelling our city to flourish economically and culturally.
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International Mentoring St. Louis (IMSTL) began as a pilot initiative called the International Mentoring Program (IMP) in late 2017 and officially launched in June, 2018. Co-founded by Annie Schlafly and Susan Gobbo, it was backed by the St. Louis Mosaic Project and complemented Mosaic’s Women’s Connector Program and the St. Louis International Spouses/Expat Women Group. In 2022 it became a 501(c)(3) organization and embarked on a rebranding journey in 2024 to reflect its mission with a fresh name, logo and slogan. Today the organization goes by the name, International Mentoring St. Louis (IMSTL) and is “Transforming Lives Through Meaningful Mentorship.”
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Since its inception in 2017, International Mentoring St. Louishas connected more than 650+ international women and families and local women, representing 80+ countries and more than 315+ companies.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
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Mentees must be foreign-born women who have moved to St. Louis within the last five years, though there may be exceptions to this requirement.
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Mentees must:
Live in the St. Louis bi-state region
Have a permanent or long-term visa (undergrad student visas are not accepted)
Have their own transportation and ability to cover extra-curricular costs
Possess at least an associate's degree or equivalent
Have sufficient English language skills
Be 25 years or older
Commit to 20-30 hours throughout the one-year program
(Note: The program is designed for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies.)
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Mentors can be American women who reside in the Bi-State region. In some situations international women who live in the region are also eligible.
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To be considered for the IMSTL program as a mentor, applicants must meet the following requirements.
Mentors must:
Applicants must be local women ( American women who are local to the area or who have moved from another state or International Women who have lived in the area for at least five years.)
Live in the St. Louis Bi-state region
Have their own transportation and ability to cover extra-curricular costs
Be 25 years or older
Commit to 20-30 hours throughout the one-year program
PROGRAM DETAILS
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The St. Louis mentoring program connects professional international women with like-minded local mentors. This personalized, two-way cultural exchange fosters a partnership where local mentors assist internationals in acclimating to the St. Louis community while both parties enhance their cultural awareness.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, each mentor/mentee pair becomes a member of a cohort that includes five mentors, five mentees and two leaders.
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The program includes group mentorship opportunities, professional networking, St. Louis activities, cultural experiences, clubs and social events.
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The mentorship opportunity lasts for one year.
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The program matches professional international women with like-minded local women based on their backgrounds, interests, and professional fields to create personalized, two-way partnerships.
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While the program requires a commitment of 20-30 hours throughout the year, the frequency of meetings is flexible and can be arranged between the mentor and mentee to suit their schedules.
IMPACT & BENEFITS
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IMSTL
Encourages international families to stay in St. Louis
Enriches the St. Louis with multiple cultures
Improves regional economic growth
Makes St. Louis attractive for global talent
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IMSTL participants:
Expand social and professional networks in St. Louis and global connections
Build community connections
Form lasting friendships
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According to a Harvard Business Review study, a large percentage of expatriate assignments fail due to the inability of a partner or family to acclimate to the new environment. By fostering meaningful human and social connections and creating a strong sense of belonging, IMSTL eases the transition for expat families and helps acclimate them to life in the community. The program is a vital resource for helping companies recruit and retain top global talent.
GETTING INVOLVED
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To learn more, contact us.
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While there is no registration fee for the program, participants should be ready to cover any costs for extracurricular activities they wish to participate in, should those activities have associated fees.
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Yes, there is a formal application process. Interested individuals should APPLY HERE.
For more information about the program, please visit our 'What We Do' page.
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The cohort provides a supportive environment for women through mentorship, networking opportunities, and shared experiences. By fostering collaboration the cohort empowers members to pursue their goals with confidence. This collective support helps women overcome challenges, promotes professional growth, and creates a strong sense of belonging within the community.
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Interested individuals should apply and wait to receive an email from us.
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Throughout the website, you will find testimonials from members and influential partners highlighting their experiences and successes. These stories showcase the positive impact of IMSTL and the supportive community it fosters.
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The program partners with companies and organizations to attract and retain high-potential international talent in the region. You can view our partners by visiting "Partners".