The Mentor Effect:
When Learning Leaves the Classroom

Spring 2026 Cohort | Open Mindset Project

What happens when a lesson doesn’t end when class does?

For Spring 2026 students in the Open Mindset Project, the answer often started with a conversation. The Open Mindset Project combines a four-module global-mindset curriculum with one-on-one mentorship from a Global Guru, an accomplished professional with global experience. Students learn about globalization, culture, adaptability, communication and other human skills—and then have the opportunity to talk about what those ideas look like in the real world with someone who has lived them.

That combination matters. Because understanding a concept is one thing. Knowing how to use it is another.

Where learning becomes real

Across four modules, students explored global mindset, globalization, culture, adaptability, communication, networking and global teamwork. Along the way, they met with their Global Guru to discuss what they were learning and connect it to their own experiences, academic goals and careers.

By the final module, 100% of students said they could identify practical strategies for expanding their global thinking. And 100% said the program helped them think about applying global awareness and human skills to their academic or career goals.

Percentage of students giving the highest possible rating (5 out of 5) 

The strongest result came in Module 4: 87.5% of students gave the highest possible rating to the statement that their mentor interaction helped connect course content to real-world professional experiences. In Module 3, 80% gave the highest rating for comfort communicating with their mentor, while 72% said their mentor deepened their understanding of globalization or global mindset.

“My mentor took the time to hear about my experiences and help me reflect on what my strengths are. She gave me a lot of advice that has helped guide me in making decisions towards the career I want.”

— Spring 2026 student

A different kind of learning

That’s what makes the Global Guru relationship different from another course assignment. A mentor can take an idea from a module and ask, “What does that look like in your life?” They can share a mistake they made, describe how they handled a difficult situation or offer a perspective a student hadn’t considered.

“For me, having scheduled coffee chats with mentors really helps build confidence in having professional conversations and networking effectively. Being exposed to real mentors, hearing about their experiences, and developing meaningful relationships with them is such a valuable part of the experience.”

— Spring 2026 student

“It pushed me to think more critically about how I engage with people from different backgrounds and challenged assumptions I didn't realize I had. It's changed how I approach problems.”

— Spring 2026 student

When a conversation changes perspective

The mentor relationship can also help students see themselves differently. One student said their mentor helped them recognize strengths and think more deliberately about their career direction. Another said the experience helped turn intentions into actionable steps.

“The mentor sessions helped me sharpen my intentions into actionable steps, while pressuring me to challenge my status quo and providing real examples of experiences I may soon face.”

— Spring 2026 student

The effect goes both ways

The students weren’t the only ones who found the experience valuable. The Global Gurus described their mentees as engaged, their conversations as productive and the mentoring experience as rewarding. Every responding mentor said they would recommend the experience to others. 

“My experience was rewarding. I think this is an amazing program.”

-– Charlene Binder, Global Guru

The real measure of learning

The most important outcome isn’t whether a student can define global mindset at the end of four modules. It’s whether that student thinks differently the next time they encounter a person, problem or perspective that challenges what they already know.

The Spring 2026 students gave us plenty of numbers to celebrate. But their comments point to something more lasting: a mentor can help turn a lesson into a conversation, a conversation into reflection and reflection into action.

“I would strongly recommend this program. It pushed me to think more critically about how I engage with people from different backgrounds and challenged assumptions I didn't realize I had.”

— Spring 2026 student

Learning gives students the framework – A Global Guru helps them put it to work

But what, exactly, are students learning to see differently? 

The answer goes beyond knowing about other cultures or understanding how the world works. It’s about developing a global mindset—and learning to see people, problems and perspectives differently. 

That’s the focus of our next story: “A Global Mindset Is More Than Knowing About Other Cultures.”

_{Survey note: Thirty-five students participated in the Spring 2026 cohort. Module respondents were 34 in Module 1, 28 in Module 2, 25 in Module 3 and 24 in Module 4. The Global Guru end-of-cohort survey had 13 respondents. Percentages are based on respondents to each question.}

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