A Study of Student Mentoring Relationships in a Finnish University Context

Abstract

In Finnish universities, tutoring programmes are set up to help new students to start their university life. This research studies the international tutoring programme of the University of Vaasa. The research aims to discover the factors leading to different relationships and how to sustain a good relationship during the official duration of the programme.

A qualitative approach is used and semi-structured interview is chosen as the method of data collection to investigate the motivation of the tutors, how they see their self-identity as a tutor, their cross-cultural management and diversity management skills, the influence of the organization and other factors affecting the relationship between tutor and tutee.

The results show a fluid construction process of both the motivation and self-identity of the tutors, and the relationship between tutors and tutees throughout the semester. It is found that the first two weeks of semester are the most important stage to determine the relationship for the rest of the semester. The research points out the importance of the hybrid construction process of the motivation and self-identity of the tutors.