Texas Tech Global Guides

Who Gets a Global Guide | Become a Global Guide | Current UG Global Guides | Current Graduate Global Guides |

| In Memorium|

Who Gets a Global Guide?

At the beginning of each semester, new or newly transferred international students are assigned a Global Guide. Your Global Guide is assigned to you based on one or more variables. This could be your major, country, or native language. We do our best to pair you with a Global Guide who has something in common with you, but sometimes this is not always the case. No matter what, your global Guide is here to help you adjust to Texas Tech and life in the United States. They were all once in your shoes, too, and that is why they have volunteered to be part of this program.

When will I hear from my Global Guide? You will begin to receive emails from your Global Guides at your TTU email before the start of the semester. Watch for an email from your Global Guide with helpful information about life on campus. You will also be invited to meet them in person, hang out, study, and get to know them once you arrive.

Have Questions? Ask a Global Guide! Global Guides are here to help you navigate a new culture, school, city, and academic life. Please feel free to send your questions via email. *Please note that Global Guides cannot answer questions related to immigration.

Please note that emails from your Global Guide will come from their personal TTU emails, not an International Affairs email.

Have questions about the Global Guide Program? Email us at oia.intlstudentlife@ttu.edu

Global Guide Committees

International Family Support Network

learn more about the International Student Support Network, led by our Global Guides.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/isss/studentlife/getInvolved/FamilySupportNetwork/index.php

How to Become a Global Guide

What the Role Looks Like:

The following are expected from all Global Guides:

Reach out to, teach, befriend, and mentor an assigned group of new international students (your "Cohort") before and after they arrive at Texas Tech, and potentially be the reason a student chooses TTU
Attend Global Techsan Welcome Days (International Student Orientation), supporting students as a friend, peer, and mentor, and serving on an international student panel
Communicate with potential new students ahead of arrival, alerting them to what they need to know before they arrive, sharing your Texas Tech experience, and helping them with the immediate transition process once they arrive on campus
Attend ISL events and functions, encouraging other new students to do so, and occasionally helping with the setup of such events
Host at least 1 hangout event for international students each month, in collaboration with members of your GG team. This means organizing fun activities such as attending student org or on-campus events, study sessions, attending off-campus events, and any non-related ISL events with your cohort.
Help monitor student WhatsApp groups by answering student questions and marketing events related to International student life and needs.

Commitments: Global Guides are required to attend important ISL events.

Orientation for both undergrads and graduate students (start of the Fall & Spring semester)
Welcome Events (once each semester)
Culture Fest (October)
One Monthly meeting during the Fall & Spring semester
Attend the Global Guide retreat (April)

Benefits of the Global Guide Program

Gain an in-depth knowledge of TTU resources, history, & traditions.
Develop leadership, interpersonal communication, & social skills.
Build significant relationships with fellow Global Guides, new international students, & TTU OIA staff.
Meals during most OIA events.
End-of-the-year party
End-of-semester stipend, if you complete all responsibilities.
Special Graduation slide at ISL Graduation Celebration (semester you graduate).
Global Guide Alumni Group
End of year thank you celebration (Spring)
Graduation Party for Global Guides (Spring)

Expectations & Commitments

Participation in the program for at least a full academic year is expected
Must attend all training sessions
Serve as a mentor for assigned incoming student groups
Serve as a knowledgeable and friendly representative of TTU and the Office of International Affairs (OIA)
Attend monthly meetings (required)
Global Guides are REQUIRED to attend Global Techsans Welcome Day and must be back on campus to attend this orientation and training at the beginning of August. This is typically the week of or before dorm move-in.
Global Guides are REQUIRED to attend the Global Guide Retreat in April

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, all Global Guide candidates must:

Maintain a minimum 3.0 TTU GPA during participation in the program
International applicants must be on an F1 Visa.
Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with Texas Tech University

For Undergraduates:

- have been at Texas Tech for one full academic year and be a sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduate student by the upcoming Fall semester (2026)
OR
- If you are an Undergraduate who transferred from another college/university, then you only need to have been at TTU for one semester.
AND
- Positive attitude and strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- One recommendation letter from a TTU faculty or staff member

For graduate students

Must have attended Texas Tech for at least one semester before your Global Guide year. For example, you must have started in Spring '2026 to be eligible to be a Global Guide for 26-27.
Must have spent at least one full semester at the Texas Tech Lubbock campus before the start of Global Guide obligations.
Positive attitude and strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
One recommendation letter from a TTU faculty or staff member