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Applications for 2024-25 Ambassador Program will open in April
ISSS International Ambassador Program
2023-2024
About the Program
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) International Ambassador Program matches students, familiar with campus and Salt Lake City, to incoming international students. Ambassadors help new international students adjust to life at the U and U.S. by assisting students during their transition to the University of Utah and Salt Lake Valley. The Ambassador is awarded a $1,000 scholarship towards tuition during each semester in which they participate in the Program.
Ambassador Mission
The Ambassador Program works to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for new international students through peer support, guidance, resources and advice during new students’ arrival and first year at the University of Utah. Ambassadors are community builders who look to create memories, plan events, and make the international student experience the best it can be. Ambassadors are experienced students from a variety of backgrounds. They serve as role models to new international students through individual interactions during Orientation, International Night, and many other events and opportunities.
Ambassador Qualifications
- Must be a current University of Utah student
- Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university
- If you are an international student, you must be in good standing with immigration
- Must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Must display professionalism
Meet the 2023-2024 International Ambassadors
Adebowale Adebunmi
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Program of Study: Masters in Healthcare Administration
Fun Fact:
My favorite food is Jollof Rice and my favorite football team is Machester United.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Be open-minded; blossom where you are planted.
Amine Ben Aissa
Country of Origin: Tunisia
Program of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Fun Fact: I speak four languages.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Be engaged and stay active. Try to make friends as soon as possible and try to make
the most out of your time here.
Ana Lico De Freitas
Country of Origin: Brazil
Program of Study: Bachelors in Operations and Supply Chain
Fun Fact: I am at a 195 day streak on Duolingo!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Do not be too hard on yourself! Moving to a different country can be challenging, whether you just got here or have been here for a while, so do not beat yourself up over things you cannot control. Enjoy your journey, be yourself, have an open mind and look for support when needed. You are not a lone. Keep in touch with other international students or the ISSS office for better support.
Ben Worwood
Country of Origin: United States
Program of Study: Bachelors in Games with a minor in Japanese
Fun Fact:
One fun fact about me is that I studied abroad in Osaka, Japan for one semester. It
was my first time leaving my home country!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
With my experience as an international student, my advice to incoming or current international
students is: don't be afraid to put yourself out there. I have difficulty making friends,
so it took me longer than most people to find new friends during my time abroad. Eventually,
as I became more comfortable with my new environment, I started to put myself in situations
where I would have the opportunity to meet new people, and now I have some lifeling
friends who live all over the world! So know that you are not alone.
Catherine Iguchi
Country of Origin: Brazil
Program of Study: Ballet
Fun Fact: I love everything with matcha!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Get involved on campus and make sure to read all emails and be aware of due dates!
Maryam Ebrahimnezhadhaghighi
Country of Origin: Iran
Program of Study: Master of Architecture
Fun Fact: I am a photographer!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Make sure to understand your health insurance before engaging in activities like skiing. For each problems ask other international student or the ISSS office because they might know more than you to share their experience and it causes less errors for you.
Ololade Folashade
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Program of Study: Masters in Business Administration and Business Analytics
Fun Fact: I am a better dancer than Michael Jackson
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Build a diverse network of friends. That is the best decision I ever made. Make friends from different continents, trust me it makes the world a better place. You would be contributing to Global peace by learning about different cultures.
Raksha Prasad
Country of Origin: India
Program of Study: Electrical Engineering
Fun Fact: I love to run and cook!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Participate proactively in your classes and get more involved on campus by going to events. If you encounter any problems, please reach out to the respective resources on campus like ISSS, they are super friendly and helpful!
Sindy Song
Country of Origin: Republic of Korea
Program of Study: Urban Ecology
Fun Fact: I am from Korea but my favorite city is Berlin. Also, I am a big fan of basketball!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Do your best but don't lose yourself. Nothing is important than your physical and mental health.
Stephania Moinhos Garcia
Country of Origin: Brazil
Program of Study: International Studies
Fun Fact: My favorite sport is volleyball!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Choose your classes carefully. Some of them may fulfill more than one requirement, which will help a lot during your Freshman and Sophmore year.
Tae-Eun Ko
Country of Origin:
Program of Study:
Fun Fact:
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Youngho Shin
Country of Origin: Republic of Korea
Program of Study: Master's in Finance
Fun Fact: I have lived in different countries and places in my 20s.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current? Find a good friend. Study hard and play hard!