When Harry met Sarita: Using a peer-mentoring program to

Abstract: This paper offers a practical and innovative model for enhancing intercultural skills and providing opportunities for meaningful social contact between Australian and international students. The information will assist practitioners considering similar programs for students. Studying at university is a social and cultural experience as well as an educational one, and students benefit from developing abilities to interact with people from different backgrounds in addition to acquiring knowledge and skills. The presence of international students on Australian campuses presents opportunities for students of all backgrounds to develop intercultural understanding. However, universities may need to put more effort into promoting meaningful social contact between local and overseas students if intercultural wisdom is to be developed among students. In response to this challenge, the University of Canberra developed and implemented a group model of peer-mentoring in which leadership pairs (one Australian and one international student) mentored small groups of overseas students. The program was designed through a synthesis of models offered in the literature and through a consultative process with student