Global Gopher Experiences

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!

Hey everyone! My name is Amora, which means "love" in Spanish, and I find it quite fitting because love is a universal language that connects us all. I'm incredibly proud to be from Mongolia, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. One of my greatest passions is riding horses, which has been an integral part of Mongolian culture for centuries. My pronouns are she/her/hers. Currently, I am part of the GGI team at the ISSS! As for my academic pursuits I am a sophomore studying civil engineering. I'm passionate about contributing to the development of infrastructure and making a positive impact on the world through engineering. As a hobby I've been swimming for the past ten years!

Additionally, I absolutely love to go-karting and any activity that provides an adrenaline rush. The thrill of speed and the challenge of navigating sharp turns keep me on my toes. It's a fantastic way to push my limits and embrace the excitement of life. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that I'm a massive fan of Formula 1! That’s all. Looking forward to meeting you all <3. 

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 friends! My name is Daniel and I hail from Singapore! I use he/him/his pronouns and am part of the GGE team where we carefully craft events focussed on making your transit into college much more smooth and enjoyable. Currently, I'm in the College of Liberal Arts tackling my degree in Computer Science. When I'm not racking my brain with programming problems, I like to sweat it out in a soccer match or sometimes sit back with a glass of kombucha and a charcuterie board watching a heavenly sunset (I'm still chasing that perfect sunset). I've been told I look scary and intimidating but I truly am just a cinnamon roll on the inside so don't trust my intimidating demeanor and come say hi! Cheerios :) 

I’m an international student from Guatemala, Central America. I’m passionate about languages, and everything related, as well as cats, and music. I’m planning to major in Linguistics.

I’m excited about giving you a hand in your new journey here at the University of Minnesota, I’ll be happy to help in English, Spanish, or K’iche’.

Jaydon is a senior track and field athlete hailing from the small Caribbean isle of Trinidad and Tobago. Representing the ISSS as a Global Gopher Experience Leader.

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! My name is Michelle, and I’m a second year College of Science and Engineering student who plans to major in Chemical Engineering and minor in Economics. 

A piece of advice that I think would be useful to new students: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! You’ll never know where a single step might take 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. 

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.

Hi everyone! I am a junior majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Science and Engineering.
Some of the things I really enjoy doing during my down-time are drawing and debating.

I think the most important piece of advice I could give to incoming International students is to reach out to the communities on campus whenever they can. Being in a brand new place is a little challenging sometimes but there are thousands of students at the UMN, so there is definitely a perfect group for you as well. 
 

សួស្ដី (Sou Sdey)! Welcome to the University of Minnesota. I am Vongrathayuth Hingphith, also known as Yuth, hailing from the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia. In 2023, I successfully completed my Master of Arts degree in Comparative and International Development Education, and I am eagerly preparing to commence my doctoral studies in the same program this Fall 2023. When questioned about my decision to return to the University of Minnesota, my response remains simple yet deeply heartfelt: it is the diverse community and remarkable individuals that draw me back.

Being a Graduate Consultant with Culture Corps has been a truly enriching experience. It has provided me with firsthand insight into the University's steadfast commitment to nurturing the potential of its constituents, particularly international students like myself. Education is a reciprocal process, and during my time here, I have been privileged to collaborate with a diverse team and engage with exceptional classmates. Beyond academics, I have been instilled with the values of active citizenship, recognizing the wealth of contributions we can make to this institution, which has become a cherished second home.

Presently, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to hear your unique narrative and accompany you on the next chapter of your educational journey. Together, we shall embrace this new phase with enthusiasm, delight, and a spirit of inclusivity.

Hi everyone! I am a Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology. In my free time, I love exploring restaurants and coffee shops near the U of M campus, and when I have more time on hand, I enjoy traveling around the world.

One piece of advice for new students is to join our events. We are here to provide support for you, and you'll get valuable information as well as opportunities to make friends. You can check out our website and Instagram (@isssumn) to stay informed. I hope to see you soon!

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!

Hi everyone! I'm Zhiye, a sophomore this semester. I'm an International Recruitment Assistant, and my hobbies include Chinese calligraphy and painting, swimming, skiing, listening to music, playing the piano and cooking. 

There are a lot of information, resources and campus sceneries to explore, all you have to do is keep experimenting and doing it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's also a way to learn! Enjoy your university learning and life!