Meet the Global Mentor Team
The Global Mentor Team is made up of upper-class student leaders who support first-year international students. Many have lived or studied across cultures themselves and are passionate about creating a welcoming environment for new students from around the world.
You¡¯ll connect with your Global Mentor before arriving on campus and meet them in person during International Student Orientation. Throughout your first year, your mentor will remain a consistent, supportive guide as you navigate life in a new country, culture, and campus.
Afua Asirifi-Bonsu
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Majors: Data Science, Psychology
Involvement: African Students Association, Global Engagement Team, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Assistant, Office of Student Life Tech Team
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Choco Milo
What helped you feel most at home during your first semester at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Being with other international students who I could relate with really helped because it emphasized the fact that I¡¯m not completely alone in my experiences.
Soulaima Ben Ismail
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia
Major: Biology with a Pre-Medicine Track
Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Observer, Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness - Research Assistant, Red Cross Club - Social Chair
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Spices from back home
What inspired you to become a Global Mentor? When I first arrived at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, I felt lost navigating a new culture and unfamiliar environment. What helped me through that challenging time was the support I received from OISSS and my Global Mentor. Now, I want to be that same source of support and encouragement for incoming international students.
Cesar Castillo
Position: Global Mentor Lead
Year: Senior
Hometown: Falcon, Venezuela
Majors: Mechanical Engineering
Involvement: Varsity Swimming and Diving Team, Works in the Brew and Mailing Center
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Winter clothes
What are you most excited about as a Global Mentor? I want to connect more with people with different backgrounds and help them in the process of adaptation in the U.S.
Solyana Kifle
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Senior
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Computer Science
Involvement: Ethiopian Student Union - Treasurer, Former Community Advisor, Student Government Association - International Senator, The Culture Collective
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had left home when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Most of my clothes since my aesthetic changed every year I was here. Getting rid of the clothes I wasn¡¯t wearing was a struggle.
What advice would you give to a new international student? Be ready to experience new things but remember why you are here.
Nepa Mahat Shahi
Position: Global Mentor Lead
Year: Junior
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Majors: Neuroscience, Political Science
Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Global Engagement Team - President, Reading/Writing Center Peer Tutor, Research Assistant, The Culture Collective
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Titaura, a snack from back home
What inspired you to become a Global Mentor? I became a Global Ambassador because I know first-hand how disorienting it can be to move to a new county and culture alone. I am most excited at the possibility of creating real, honest, connections between students and helping make the process less stressful for incoming international students.
Imane Mansouri
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Marrakech, Morocco
Majors: Business Intelligence, Data Analytics
Involvement: Advertising Developers, Business for Humanity scholars program, EDGE Center - Intern & Social Media Team
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? A power adapter. It was such a struggle to charge my devices while I waited for a new one to arrive.
What advice would you give to a new international student? It is okay to feel unsure about what you want to do. I switched my major four times during my first year at Augie, and it was through that journey that I was able to figure out what I truly want to pursue!
Gedi Mognehode
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Computer Science
Involvement: CORE Ambassador, Student Government Association - First Year Senator
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? A framed picture with my friends and family
What helped you feel most at home during your first semester at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? My friends made Augie feel at home. Home isn't a place, people are what makes us feel safe and comfortable.
Hamza Ouboukhlik
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Casablanca, Morocco
Majors: Data Science, Finance
Involvement: Rho Nu Delta Fraternity, Slough Fest Director, Varsity Soccer
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? My Mom
What advice would you give to a new international student? Be open to new experiences, ask questions, and don¡¯t be afraid to seek support¡ªeveryone wants to help you succeed. Join clubs and events to meet people and build connections early on.
Bijaya Rana
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Majors: Data Analytics, Economics
Involvement: Global Engagement Team - Vice President, Innovation Competition Team - Social Chair, Learning Commons - Academic Coach and Peer Tutor, The Culture Collective
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Sel Roti and Titaura
What are you most excited about as a Global Mentor? I¡¯m most excited about sharing my own experiences, supporting international students, and organizing events that bring our diverse community together.
Lidia Teffera
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Business Intelligence
Involvement: African Students Association, Ethiopian Student Union, Works at ACES and in the Admissions Office
What¡¯s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? I left my leather jacket back home because it weighed too heavy and I didn't also have space for it. But I should've brought it!
What advice would you give to a new international student coming to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø? Have fun your first year. It is the most time you're going to have without a lot of responsibilities so make the most of it!