Since 2010, we have helped nearly 3,000 international students get acclimated to life in the United States. We strive to ensure that international students grow to love Gainesville and the University of Florida as much as we do.

Our Mission

Traveling abroad can be an experience of a lifetime, but it can also be intimidating. Living in a new country and having to adapt unfamiliar customs can be frightening for many exchange students. Luckily, NaviGators International is here to help you transition into American culture and meet new friends along the way! Our organization is dedicated to helping international students meet new friends (both from the United States and other countries), travel to local destinations, and have a ton of fun! We also help American students experience new cultures, be mindful of world events, and meet people from around the world!

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Our Program's Goals

  • Provide fun and exciting experiences for international students by giving them an insider’s glimpse into American culture through excursions, local events, intramurals, and more

  • Foster fundamental connections between international and domestic students through mentorship and cultural exchange.

  • Create lasting friendships and great memories!

Our matching program

In order to further realize our mission, we offer a mentorship program at the University of Florida, wherein each international student is paired with an American student or an international student that has attended UF for more than a year. Our matching program helps UF’s international students learn more about American culture and meet new friends, as well as offers American students an amazing opportunity to experience new cultures, make friends from around the world, and see the Gator Nation through a new perspective.

We are so thrilled to announce the release of our Fall 2023 Matching Application cycle! We have two separate applications for becoming a mentee or a mentor, so please make sure you are filling out the correct one! We encourage you to put as much info about yourself on the application so that we can match you to the best of our ability. Once the applications close on the deadline, each student will be matched in time for our Welcome Meeting, which always takes place on the first day of classes.

**Please note, you do not have to sign up for our matching program to attend our events and trips.**

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email our Membership & Matching Chair at membership.uf.navigators@gmail.com.

 

*Banner video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq46ddmCvlw&t=4s