Culture Corps

Hey there! I'm Aiyappa from India. As a Financial Mathematics master's student, my goal is not just to crunch numbers, but to truly understand the world we live in. I'm all about building connections between diverse communities and working towards a sustainable and prosperous future for our global society.

When I'm not buried in textbooks, you'll probably find me out and about, chasing adventure sports, hiking trails, or gazing at the stars. I love pushing my boundaries and exploring the incredible wonders of the natural world.

The university possesses a wealth of resources that are perfectly suited to support you on your journey. All we need to do is put in the effort to discover and make the most of them. I'm genuinely excited to be a part of your journey here, and I'm more than ready to lend a hand in any way I can. So let's make the most of this incredible opportunity together!

Hi everyone! I am a Chinese international student here at the University of Minnesota. Currently, I am an upcoming second-year graduate student, pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education. I am one of the graduate consultants on the ISSS Culture Corps team as well as a graduate assistant at the Graduate Admissions office.

As an international student myself, I understand the excitement, challenges, and opportunities that come with transitioning to a brand new chapter of life here at the U. That is why I am genuinely enthusiastic about welcoming you all and providing support to ensure your smooth integration into this vibrant community. I believe in the power of embracing our identities as international students and taking pride in our diverse backgrounds. We are part of a global community, and it's essential to remember that there are people like us who can offer guidance, friendship, and a helping hand whenever needed. Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Reach out, connect, and explore the opportunities that lie ahead. Let's embrace the adventure together!

Hi everyone! I am a Vietnamese international student. I am an alumnus of the U of M class of 2022, holding a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Developmental Psychology. I am a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts (M.A.)in Counselor Education.

My advice for international students is to be bold and take on new challenges at any time, as you may not know how it would benefit you later on, and to ask for help when needed. Our excellent professor, teacher assistant, counselor, and ISSS team will always be here with you. Good luck out there; we'll always be watching out for you!

Hi everyone, welcome to University of Minnesota. My name is Shiman Li, coming from China. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the College of Design. For why I come to University of Minnesota, I think it is the great campus diversity and engaged academic environment. 

Being a Graduate Culture Corps Consultant in ISSS, it has been giving me great pleasure to work together with people from all over the world. Participating in Global Gopher Events, I had a chance to understand myself better and know more about the U. Immersing in the excited activities regarding both academy and life on campus, I feel great to help with others in many aspects of their life in the U.

Pursuing a graduate degree is not an easy thing for most people. However, you are here, together with us! Please feel proud of yourself! I am happy to be friends with you and help you with any questions about the new life here!

Hello everyone, my name is Soliyana. I'm a second-year international student from Ethiopia, east Africa. I'm a computer science major. I enjoy gaming, trying new food, and having a good night's sleep.

For incoming international students, my advice would be not to give up. Things will be overwhelming, but it’ll get better with time and the U has a lot of resources to help with that. Feel free to explore and take advantage of the resources.

Hello everyone, this is Summer. I am a master's candidate in Human Resources & Industrial Relations at the Carlson School of Management. I also hold a B.S. degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Over the course of several semesters, I have collaborated with the University and Culture Corps to develop new experiences and expand my skill set.

Here are some of my former experiences: Undergraduate Student Senator, member of the Minnesota Student Association, International Student Advisory Board, Global Gopher Leader, and Culture Corps project member. These experiences have laid a strong foundation for my career and have greatly enriched my perspective.

I understand that many students come to the University for the first time for various reasons. I sincerely hope that the educational journey and participation in any Culture Corps program can help you build skills and explore new experiences while pursuing your education at UMN. I will always wish you the best of luck, and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding Culture Corps.

Furthermore, as a former member of the APAC Talent Acquisition team, I am available to assist with CV reviews or offer guidance on constructing a compelling story telling on a cover letter. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any assistance in these areas. Wishing you all the best.

សួស្ដី (Sou Sdey)! Welcome to the University of Minnesota. I believe you are going to love it here. I am a master's degree student specializing in Comparative and International Development Education at the College of Education and Human Development.

One of my best tips for this upcoming experience as an international student is to expect to learn not only from your professors and the wonderful staff here at the University of Minnesota, but also from your peers. We've got your back at UMN, so don't be afraid to ask. It's this diversity that makes this journey exciting.  

Hi there! Welcome! I come from China and currently I am an upcoming fourth-year undergraduate majoring in genetics (GCD) and biochemistry at the College of Biological Sciences. Apart from academics, I enjoy baking, hiking, exploring new things, and helping international students to solve problems as being a student leader in ISSS! Currently, I work as a GGE leader and a senior supervising leader in the Culture Corps.

Throughout my journey at the U, I benefited a lot from various supportive resources and engaging campus activities. My piece of advice would be to feel free to ask, to utilize, and to experience all the resources and events, such as a movie night, a short trip, a workshop, a career fair, and more. Let them support you to become a better yourself!