image of CPMs wearing Cal shirts and the Campanile background

Cultural Peer Mentors (CPMs)

Bridging Cultures, Making Connections

The Cultural Peer Mentors (CPMs) are Cal undergraduates who provide guidance, resources, and support to international students in BISP. We are here to assist international students to make a successful cultural and academic transition at UC Berkeley. The mission of the Cultural Peer Mentors is to bring together students from diverse backgrounds to foster cross-cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship for a more personalized and globally connected college experience.

How can I get a mentor?
How can I get a mentor?

You will automatically be assigned a pair of mentors at the beginning of the semester. You can choose whether or not to attend the events, but you will always be invited!

Zero cost, 100% gain!
Zero cost, 100% gain!

It is absolutely free! Our Cultural Peer Mentors understand how international students can struggle to adjust to a new environment, so they volunteer time and energy to help you!

Mentor options
Mentor options

You can have a mentor and receive weekly update on events, or you do not have to have a mentor, but can still receive newsletter and get invited to all program-wide events from BISP.

Meet our CPMs

headshot of Claire Chiow with buildings and a river in the background

Claire Chiow

Hey I'm Claire! I'm from Pasadena, CA, and I'm a second-year studying Cognitive Science with minors in Data Science and Music. I love figure skating (I skate for the Cal Figure Skating Competition Team!), playing piano, reading books, and hanging out with friends to get ... Read more about Claire Chiow
headshot David Chen

David Chen

Hey my name's David. I'm a current sophomore, and I'm majoring in Business Administration and Statistics. I chose to be a CPM because I also studied abroad myself and am just generally interested in meeting new people and learning about their abroad experiences. Some other ... Read more about David Chen
headshot of Hanna Dalton sitting on the grass

Hanna Dalton

Hi everyone! My name is Hanna and I'm a senior majoring in Comparative Literature and French. I was born and grew up in Sacramento and transferred to UC Berkeley from community college. I love to spend time outside in nature, go to coffee shops, and ... Read more about Hanna Dalton
headshot Indy Rivera

Indy Rivera

Hi Hi! I'm Indy, a third-year student majoring in Political Economy with a minor in Spanish. I usually spend my free time reading, watching old crime shows, or drawing. I also enjoy doing Karaoke with my friends and am also learning German and Korean through ... Read more about Indy Rivera
Jennifer Lico headshot with a city background

Jennifer Lico

Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer Lico! I’m a third year studying Political Science and minoring in Education! I am originally from Los Angeles and my family is from Mexico and El Salvador. During my free time, I like to watch movies, go surfing/... Read more about Jennifer Lico
CPM Leben

Leben Kawaguchi

Hi everyone! My name is Leben, a senior majoring in Chemical Biology. I grew up in the Bay Area so am excited to learn about other cultures as a CPM while also in turn sharing some of the beautiful sights that I grew up with. ... Read more about Leben Kawaguchi
CPM photo Malavika Sushil

Malavika Sushil

Hey everyone!!! My name is Malavika Sushil and I am a senior double majoring in Economics and Data Science. I grew up in the Bay Area so if you are ever interested in seeing more of the Bay, I am so excited to share my ... Read more about Malavika Sushil
headshot Olivia Kurtz

Olivia Kurtz

Hi everyone! My name is Olivia, and I'm a senior majoring in Political Economy with a minor in Korean Language. Although I was born in Florida, I grew up in the San Fernando Valley  (Los Angeles). If you ever want to visit Los Angeles, ... Read more about Olivia Kurtz
CPM Ryan Kuo

Ryan Kuo

Heyo, my name is Ryan and I am a third-year studying Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS). I wanted to become a CPM because I am eager to learn about different cultures and languages. I am from Southern California, ... Read more about Ryan Kuo
headshot Shreya Aviri

Shreya Aviri

Hey there! I’m Shreya and I’m a fourth year majoring in American Studies. I’m from New York so I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both costal cultures. Through the UCEAP study abroad program, I went to South Korea for a year ... Read more about Shreya Aviri
headshot CPM Ted

Ted Llera

Hey there! I’m Ted Llera, a PhD graduate student diving deep into the fascinating world of Molecular and Cell Biology. As a first-generation immigrant from the vibrant Philippines, my journey has been fueled by a passion for research inspired by the communities that shaped ... Read more about Ted Llera
CPM Mixer
CPM Picnic
ice cream social
LGBTQ+ Mixer
Self-care show & tell challenge
Telegraph Ave Tour
Yoga with Rachel