The Office of International Education employs two International Student Peer Mentors. The Peer Mentors are returning UR international students who hold office hours each week to handle international student inquiries about University departments, programs, and services, provide referrals to resources on campus and in the Richmond community, and give cultural, practical, and travel advice about the U.S. The Peer Mentors are responsible for knowing procedures, policies, and general information about the Office of International Education and its international student organizations and programs. They also conduct research and surveys about the international student population, and assist with general office duties when necessary.

My name is Matt Lakin. I am senior here at Richmond. I was born in England but grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I went to high school in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I chose Richmond because it had a strong
business program and I am now a marketing and entrepreneurship major. I am a member of the rugby club on campus since my first year at UR and I am currently working for the catering department on campus. Also, I was an international Orientation Advisor (OA) my sophomore year and the international head OA for both my junior and senior years.

I'm very excited to work for the international office as a peer mentor
because I love to meet new people from around the world and learn about
different cultures. If you need help or have any concerns, then feel free
to stop by or email me at matthew.lakin@richmond.edu.

My full name is Mario Emmanuel Villalba Ferreira but you can just call me “MARIO.” I’m a sophomore here at UR and I come from Asuncion, Paraguay, a very beautiful and exotic country in South America.

Before coming to UR I spent two fabulous years in an international school in Flekke, Norway where I met people from 94 different countries … yes… it was crazy! Then I applied to Richmond because I knew they had an amazing study abroad program, international students and because of its strategic location. Last year, I had an awesome freshman year. I’m planning to double major in sociology and international studies and to study abroad in India during my junior year.

I’m very excited to be working for the International office as your Peer Mentor because I love helping people, especially my international colleagues, so…please, just come to us with any of your concerns. You can email me at mario.villalbaferreira@richmond.edu. We love helping you!

Campus Location: International Resource Center, 1st Floor, Puryear Hall

Office Hours:

Monday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Mario)

Tuesday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Mario)

Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Matt)

Thursday 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Mario)

Friday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Matt)

Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904