Building a Global Network of Friends and Mentors Hat

Start with the people you know well.

Classmates and Project Groups: Think of each class activity or group project as a chance to meet new people. Talk about your culture and show interest in other people's.
Campus Events: Attend guest lectures, skill-building seminars, and cultural nights. These naturally get people talking.

Use academic resources

The International Student Office often puts on events and mentorship programs that link new students with older students.
Alumni Networks: Many colleges have formal mentorship programs or groups on LinkedIn for former students. Most of the time, alumni are happy to help current students.

Go Off Campus

Use Meetup or Eventbrite to find groups of people who share your interests, like technology, art, business, and more.
Volunteering: Volunteering in your community helps you meet people of all ages and professions while also improving your soft skills.

Connecting with people all over the world online

LinkedIn:
Send personalized requests to connect. Hi, I'm a student at X University and I'm studying Y and Z. I'd like to know more about what you've been through.
Share your small wins, ideas, or thoughts to stay in the public eye.
Industry Communities: Find Facebook, Slack, or Discord groups that are related to the career you want to have.
Mentorship Platforms: Check out Ten Thousand Coffees, MentorCruise, or LinkedIn Career Advice.

Keep and grow your connections

To keep in touch, send a short update or holiday greeting every few months.
Give them praise for what they've done or point them to useful resources.
Don't just ask for help; also share ideas or offer support.

It takes time to build a "global network." It grows one honest conversation at a time. A casual chat over coffee, a class presentation, or even a shared laugh over a group project that didn't go well can lead to some of your best job opportunities and long-lasting connections.