Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to study at a first-rate university, grammar school or lycée to be eligible for the program?

No, we don’t take the reputation of your school/university into account. We focus on your dynamism, your interests and your ambitions. The mentoring program is designed for university and high school students, young refugees or unemployed. You do not have to study at a university, grammar school or lycée to become our mentee. What we value more is whether you are active and what your interests and ambitions are.

How are you sure my mentor will be able to help me?

The first part of the program will focus on exploring your needs and expectations. This allow us to match you with the best possible mentor and to understand what he can support you with. Consequently, if you have any specific topics or questions you need guidance or mentoring on, make sure to state them in your application. Remember our mentors are willing to help you if you show proactivity and think about your future. Your discussions will be structured in such a way as to help you prepare your mind for the decisions to be taken in the (near) future.

Do I have to be fluent in English to apply?

Not at all. In fact, all our mentors speak several languages therefore you do not need to speak English. However, if you want to brush up on your English, your mentor will be happy to help you.

Most of the mentors are studying, or have studied, abroad. Is Shape Your Future intended only for those who want to study abroad?

No. Shape Your Future mentorship is there for those who wish to improve their abilities and make a difference, independently of where or what they (intend to) study.

You can discuss openly about a lot of topics with your mentor, including your future (what university, college or internship to choose or where to start your career). Your mentor will be happy to talk to you to see how you think about the world or your future.

What if I have no idea what I want to study or achieve in life?

If you are currently not able to choose between your interests, being able to talk with your mentor will help you clarify your thoughts. Your uncertainty is therefore not an obstacle, as long as we can see that it stems from curiosity and your desire to grow and explore new things.

What kind of project or activity can I work on with my mentor’s help?

Your project can be any activity with well-defined objectives and results that can be achieved in five months, which you have already taken up, or would like to undertake. In your application, you can specify the focus areas or subjects you are considering, and state an example of activities or projects you would like to work on.

Once the mentor/mentee pairs are matched, you and your mentor will design a mentoring roadmap, and define measurable goals that can be achieved by the end of the program.

These are examples of Shape Your Future’s students’ goals/projects:

  • I want to launch a debate club at my school;
  • I want to run the school newspaper;
  • I want to make it to the finals of a robotics competition;
  • I want to prepare for university entrance exam;
  • I want to lead a team of members of our student parliament;
  • I want to get a hands-on experience in medicine;
  • I want to create an Alumni association of my school,...

You are lacking inspiration for a project, but you know you need guidance to help you blossom? We want you to apply as well! If you’re showing enough drive, we can find a goal for you to reach, together.

Shape Your Future was created for active and curious young people. But what does that mean exactly?

No need to be a brilliant student or a national swimming champion to join us. What we value most is your dynamism, your interests and your ambitions.

If you are interested in the world around you and would like to exchange ideas with more experimented young professionals, or if you are continuously searching for new opportunities to develop yourself, then Shape Your Future is made for you.

It is certainly gratifying to have good school results or excel in a sport. However, you can express your talents and skills in various shapes and forms.

It is possible that you are precisely looking for how to be a better version of yourself or that you need to be guided to be that version. We are here to help you!

We are looking for young people mindful of the world around them and that want to achieve their true potential. We offer help to those that see education as much more than something compulsory. We encourage and guide because we understand we don’t all start with the same chances to grow in a stimulating environment, would it be at home, at school or in our hometowns.