The Mentor is the face-to-face resource for the international employee and family, acting as advocate, “professional friend” and cultural translator. The Mentor’s task is to facilitate and coordinate local resources to meet the needs of the employee and family as they relocate into the Houston area.

The mentoring component includes, but is not limited to, the following services:

• Area Familiarization:
	-	General overview of selected overview of selected neighborhoods and associated shopping markets
• Banking:
	-	Assistance with opening bank accounts
	-	ATM machine instruction
	-	Information on debit card alternatives, loans
• Emergency Services Review:
	-	Police, fire and ambulance phone numbers
• Furniture Rental/Purchase Assistance:
	-	Referral to suppliers
	-	Assistance with paperwork
• Shopping:
	-	Checkout process and payment options
	-	Sales discounts and sales tax
	-	Brand and home country product comparisons
• Introduction to Administrative Agencies:
	-	Assistance with securing Social Security number or its equivalent
	-	Assistance with obtaining TIN (Tax Identification Number) for dependents of employee
	-	Assistance with obtaining Texas Driver’s Licenses
• Medical Assistance (in cooperation with employee’s HR Department):
	-	Explanation of emergency care services and procedures
	-	Overview of access to medical and dental services
	-	Explanation of prescription, generic and over-the-counter medications
• Telephone and Utility Services:
	-	Assistance with choosing a carrier
	-	Information on local vs. long distance calls
	-	Internet Service Providers
	-	Assistance with initial water and electricity setup
	-	Assistance with cable/satellite TV
• Schooling Assistance:
	-	Assistance with interviews with school officials
	-	Explanation of U.S. or Canadian school structure (public & private)
	-	Information on distance of school in relation to the employee’s potential home
	-	Education consultant referral (if needed)
• Vehicle Purchase/Lease Information & Transportation Services:
	-	General advice on purchasing a vehicle in the U.S.
	-	Auto registration information
	-	Auto insurance information
	-	Public transportation services
	-	Commuting options