Big Sister - Mentoring and Networking

Are you a female student at TU Darmstadt with a passion for helping others succeed? If so, consider becoming a mentor through the Big Sister program. As a mentor, you'll have the chance to support up to 3 mentees in a small group, sharing your knowledge and experiences on topics related to studying and life in Germany. And as part of the program, you'll have access to a supportive community of like-minded women, committed to helping each other grow and thrive.

If you are a student who is looking for support and advice on living and studying in Germany, you are encouraged to apply to be a mentee in the Big Sister program. Although the program's main goal is to support international female students or female students with a migration history, all students are welcome to participate, regardless of their degree program or semester.

We understand that not every applicant may find a suitable match, as the availability of mentors/mentees can vary depending on departmental representation and other factors. However, we encourage interested individuals to still apply and take advantage of the networking opportunities provided by the program.

The new application round starts in September 2025!

After submitting your application, you will be invited for a meeting to discuss your interests and needs. This will enable the program coordinators to find the best match for you. Once a suitable match is found, you will be notified and the program will officially start with a kick-off event.

If you're not a mentor or mentee, don't worry! You can still participate in our network meetings and events. Just contact us at big.sister@zv.tu-darmstadt.de to find out more.

The official mentoring period begins in January 2025, and concludes with the closing event in June 2025. However, participants can stay in touch after the program ends if they wish to.

For the most effective mentoring experience, it is recommended that teams meet once a month for at least 1.5 hours..

There is no limit on how often you can participate. In fact, some previous mentees have even returned to participate as mentors themselves.

Yes, a certificate of participation is awarded to all mentoring participants upon successful completion of the program. To be eligible for the certificate, regular attendance is required in the group meetings and mentoring sessions.