What is it?

The mentoring program provides support for students and applicants who are in a challenging socio-economic situation. A mentor – a student from a higher year – shares their study experience, helps with navigating the university environment, and provides support at the start of studies or during preparation for them.

Who is it for?

The program is primarily intended for:

• Students in the 1st and 2nd years at Charles University,

• Applicants to Charles University.

  (If there is sufficient capacity, students from higher years can also participate.)

Who can join as a mentee?

The program is open to students who:

• Have limited financial support from their family (e.g., the family receives social benefits),

• Are the first in their family to attend university and do not have guidance navigating higher education,

• Study in Czech as a non-native language,

• Have been out of school for a long time,

• Are student parents,

• Have previously unsuccessfully completed studies,

• Have an individual study plan,

• Face study-related challenges,

• Are newcomers from Ukraine.

How does it work?

Mentoring takes place through regular in-person or online meetings based on individual agreements and mentee needs. One-off consultations are also possible.

• A mentor (student from a higher year) shares study experience and provides support to the mentee.

• The mentor helps the mentee navigate their studies, overcome academic and life challenges, and prepare for university.

• Mentees receive support in a new life situation (especially at the start of their studies or during preparation), which helps them manage academic responsibilities and exam preparation more effectively.

• Meetings usually take place once a week for about an hour, in person or online.

• Mentors receive financial compensation for their work (currently 150 CZK per hour).

• Mentoring services are completely free for mentees.

Areas mentees can focus on with mentors:

• Navigating studies and faculty life – how studies work, where to find key information, and how to navigate the faculty and university environment.

• Starting university and adapting – orientation in the first year, transitioning from secondary school, or returning to studies after a long break.

• Administrative aspects of study – course registration, exam registration, and basic study processes and obligations.

• Study planning – adjusting study plans, timetables, and planning studies across semesters.

• Study strategies and learning – how to study effectively, prepare for exams, and manage workload.

• Preparation for entrance exams – what to expect and which materials to study (for applicants).

• Studying in Czech – help with understanding study texts and editing written assignments, especially for students from Ukraine and other non-native Czech speakers.

• Experience of studying in a specific faculty or program – what studying in a particular faculty or program is like in practice.

• Managing studies in challenging life situations – finding ways to balance studies with personal, family, or financial challenges.

How to become a mentor

Do you want to support new students and applicants while developing your own skills? As a mentor from a higher year, you will share your experiences, help others navigate university, and prepare them for their studies. The program includes special training seminars, supervision, and an active mentor community. Mentoring takes place by agreement – in person or online – and mentors receive financial compensation, currently 150 CZK per hour.

Mentees’ experiences

“Mentoring helped me organize my studies, navigate the faculty, and reduce stress. Petra is a wonderful mentor, and thanks to her I feel more confident.”

Sara, 1st-year student, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University

“The transition from the Ukrainian academic system to the Czech one was challenging – everything is different, from study structure to how the faculty operates. My mentor helped me understand what to expect in the entrance exams, how to plan my preparation, and what to study. She also showed me how to navigate the faculty website and what steps to take for the application. Mentoring made me feel calmer and more confident, and I didn’t have to go through the process alone. I would recommend it to all students, not only those from Ukraine.”

Oleksandr, applicant, Faculty of Arts, Charles University

Contact the mentoring coordinator:

Mgr. Tereza Smejkalová

tel.: 222 491 759

email: tereza.smejkalova@ruk.cuni.cz

• Social Worker

• Mentoring Program Coordinator

• Coordinator for Students from Ukraine

• Administration of Scholarships for Students in Urgent Difficult Situations