About Us

What is NaviGators?
	NaviGators is a program associated with the international honor society, Phi Beta Delta. Because PBD focuses on international education, the NaviGator Mentor Program was created not only to help acclimate exchange students to Gainesville, but to encourage an exchange of different cultures and ideas between the American and international students.
What makes a GREAT NaviGator?
	As many of us have experienced, it is difficult to move to a foreign country without your friends and family. While the exchange students are both nervous and excited to study at UF, they will most likely experience culture shocks in its various forms. A NaviGator mentor should recognize that his or her mentee is going through an initial adjustment period and any assistance a mentor could give (i.e. offer a ride from the airport, help set up the apartment, buy a cell phone, answer questions about being a student at UF, be a FRIEND, etc.) is extremely helpful. Although assistance in this initial period is critical, it is also important to continue the relationship as the semester progresses.
	Although the exchange students are only attending UF for a semester or a year, that does not mean that putting forth time and effort is a waste. Think of it this way: you are representing your country, and sometimes much of exchange students’ opinions of American culture come from their experience with the American students in the NaviGators program. Plus, you make great contacts overseas and a possible couch to sleep on when you decide to travel!
What can I expect from my NaviGatee?
	Many of the NaviGatees expect their mentors to initiate any activities. They are often shy to intrude upon their mentors or to ask seemingly simple questions. We implore the mentors to take the initiative the majority of the time, but the mentors should make clear to the NaviGatee that it is a two-way relationship and that they need to be forthcoming as well.
Challenges of NaviGating
	NaviGating can be very rewarding but at the same time have many challenges. Cultural differences and language gaps are natural, but these “barriers” are what makes this program fun and interesting! As the old timers know, not every pair will become best friends. So even if you don't hang out with each other every week, do call your mentee to see how he or she is doing. If you find that you are extremely busy and don't have much time, do be polite and tell your mentee instead of ignoring his or her telephone calls. We hope that you will not only become friends with your NaviGatee but become friends with many of the other exchange students!!
What can I do with my NaviGatee?
	When they first arrive:
		Walk your student around campus before class, help them find their classrooms and show them the shortcuts. Give them tips on avoiding the flyers, how to get in on a great 4-square game, or even where to get cheap Hare Krishna food for lunch. Offer to help your NaviGatee prepare for the semester, from letting them tag along for groceries to taking them to Wal-Mart for cheap supplies. Update them on NaviGator events so they can get in on the Welcome BBQ and our first social.
	During the semester:
		Take them to your favorite local hangout. Create a weekly ritual, lunch on campus, coffee downtown, something that you share and will give you time to check up. Join them on NaviGator trips. Invite your NaviGatee to join you on your road trip home for the weekend (even Thanksgiving). Share recipes and cook for each other.
	See the Resources page for a list of helpful resources and some fun thing to do around the Gainesville area.
Points System
	During the semester, you can earn points by attending meetings, going to events, and driving NaviGatees to events. This helps us keep track of who has been active during the semester. Inactive members, that is, NaviGators with less than 10 points in a semester, may not be paired with a NaviGatee in following semesters. Points breakdown:      Meetings -> 1 pt      Events -> 1 pt      Driving for an event -> 1 pt (plus the point for the event)      Sorry, no points are given for socials
Feedback
	In order to improve the NaviGators program each semester, we rely on feedback from the mentors and mentees. The best way to let us know is to directly write the officers an email. Their email addresses can be found on the Contact page.
How to join
	We're not picky. If you want to get involved, then check out our Calendar to see when our upcoming events are, and come join us! In early summmer and at the end of fall, we also accept applications for NaviGator mentors. If you want to be paired with an international student, watch for the notice that we're accepting applications, and submit one. The applications can be found on the Documents page. You should also join the list serve. You can find instructions on the List Serve page.