International Ambassador Program
International Ambassador Program
2025-2026
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.
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 3.5 cumulative GPA
Ambassador applications for 2025 - 2026 have now closed.
Meet the 2024-2025 Ambassadors
Alvin Leiyan
Where is Home: Kenya
Program of Study: Masters of Busines Administration
Fun Fact: I’m passionate about soccer—I love watching and playing the sport, including video games. I also have a deep love for the outdoors and enjoy hiking and exploring new places whenever I can.”
Anette Garcia
Where is Home: Mexico
Program of Study: BFA Ballet/ Minor Strategic Communications
Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is practicing yoga and my dream vacation would be visiting Hawaii.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Always check your umail and if you have any questions or concerns don't be afraid
to ask. Get involved in campus and make new friends!
Ayan Sinha
Where is Home: India
Program of Study: Double Major - Economics, and Business Administration
Fun Fact: I am a Trivia Champion in any setting.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Don't be scared of meeting and making new friends who don't look or sound like you. Go talk to people and get involved all around the university, your time here is limited, so make sure you utilize it and get involved.
Ben Worwood
Where is Home: 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.
Mei Iguchi
Where is Home: 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!
Chisom Nwoye
Where is Home: Nigeria
Program of Study: Ph.D. Oncological Science and Cancer Biology
Fun Fact: I always love biking, but biking in Utah’s high elevated landscapes, takes my breath away!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
The best gift you bring to any place where you find yourself is the gift of YOU! At all costs, live the best YOU can because that’s when you truly Live! Take every opportunity to unlock your inner most self, thrive, engage, and Truly Live!
Ezekiel Fatomilola
Where is Home:
Program of Study:
Fun Fact:
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Raksha Prasad
Where is Home: 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
Where is Home: 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
Where is Home: 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.
Mateusz Stepien
Where is Home:
Program of Study:
Fun Fact:
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Mayan
Where is Home: Bangladesh
Program of Study: Master's in Finance
Fun Fact: I can speak four languages and have traveled to seven countries. Although I'm a big guy, I play soccer and go hiking!
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Coming to a new country can always give you a cultural shock! Always try to keep an open mind and go with the flow. Salt Lake City is the best place to enjoy the cultural diversity and stunning scenic views. Mental health can be an issue that I faced earlier during my stay in the USA. You can always get our help with that. Nothing helps more than sharing!
Precious Opurum
Where is Home: Nigeria but lived in Ghana
Program of Study: PhD in Molecular Metabolism, NUIP department.
Fun Fact: I am so energetic that people think I play sports. I wish.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Believe that you can, and you really can. Plus, don't stop asking questions
Urah Goh
Where is Home: United States
Program of Study: Political Science and International Studies
Fun Fact: I used to be a competitive gymnast.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
In addition to schoolwork, make sure to set time aside for selfcare, friends, and campus events – it's important to find a balance!
Yerin Kim
Where is Home: Republic of Korea
Program of Study: Film Media Arts & Game Division
Fun Fact: French Fries are overrated.
What advice would you give to an international student, either incoming or current?
Don't hesitate to ask for help! You may have numerous documents and complex processes waiting for you, but kind and professional our school faculties are also waiting to help you