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UCLA Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars
Blue map of the world on blue background, with photos of all Ambassadors hovering over their home countries/regions.

​​​​About the Program

The International Student Ambassadors program is overseen by the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars. International Student Ambassadors are UCLA students that use their own cultural backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge to support the UCLA community. Selected Ambassadors undergo an application, interview, and training process. The Ambassadors serve on one of five specialized committees where they work on quarterly or year-long projects. Through their work, the Ambassadors work to amplify the visibility, voices, and contributions of the entire UCLA international community.

Some ways that members of the UCLA community can connect with the International Student Ambassadors include:

  • Incoming students and scholars may contact Ambassadors to ask about life on the UCLA campus
  • International students and scholars may contact Ambassadors to connect with someone from their home country/region/culture
  • Domestic students may reach out to an Ambassador with questions before studying abroad in their home country
  • Staff and faculty may reach out to request Ambassador participation in panels, orientations, events, etc.
  • Attend one of the quarterly events hosted by the Ambassadors to bring the entire UCLA community together and connect across cultures

Follow the International Student Ambassadors on Instagram! & Watch our latest Information Session (Spring 23)

Ask the International Student Ambassadors!

2022 Ask Ambassadors Marketing Flyer

The UCLA International Student Ambassadors can respond directly to the questions you submit through this form. You will receive an email with a response to your question within 3-5 business days.

Ambassadors will use their own experiences and campus knowledge to answer questions about:

  • Academics
  • Student life
  • Campus resources
  • What it's like to transition to life in the U.S., in Los Angeles, and at UCLA
  • Their experiences living outside of the U.S. and in their home country
  • Differences between U.S. culture and the culture in their home country

Staff and Faculty can submit requests for Ambassador participation in:

  • Panels
  • Orientations
  • Q & A sessions
  • and more

Questions Ambassadors can NOT answer include:

  • Anything visa or immigration-related
  • Anything about accessing iSTART (online international orientation)
  • General Dashew Center programming questions
  • You are encouraged to reach out directly to Dashew Center with these questions. You can find our full contact list here: https://internationalcenter.ucla.edu/contact-us

The form is open! Please reach out to get in touch with the 2022 - 2023 Ambassadors.

Contact the Ambassadors

Ambassadors by Home Country/Region

Looking to find support or ask questions to an international student ambassador from your home country/region? Get to know the team!

Headshots of all Ambassadors with their names and country flags against blue backdrop

Ambassador Applications

International Student Ambassador applications for the '23 - '24 academic year are now closed.

flyer advertising 2023 - 2024 ambassador applications

How do I apply? Applications for International Student Ambassadors for the 2023 - 2024 academic year are closed.

COVID-19 Adjustments: Adjustments to the program may be made in accordance with UCLA guidelines. Ambassadors are expected to be flexible and work to adapt accordingly if the program structure must change. All changes will be communicated to Ambassadors as soon as information becomes available.

Eligibility

  • Open to all currently enrolled UCLA students who have spent 3+ years living in a country other than the U.S.
  • Must have completed at least three quarters at UCLA by the end of the 2022 - 2023 academic year.
  • Must be an enrolled student for the 2023 - 2024 academic year.
  • Ability to display initiative and self-directed leadership.
  • Must value working in a diverse and team-oriented group.
  • Have a strong interest in developing cross-cultural relationships and advocating on behalf of the international students at UCLA.
  • Ambassadors are selected based on their application as well as an interview process.


The committees for the 2023 - 2024 academic year are as follows:
1. Graduate Student Interests Committee
2. Student Wellness Committee
3. International Student Advocacy Committee
4. Campus Outreach & Inclusion Committee
5. Our Voice Committee

The deadline to submit this application is Sunday, April 16th by 11:59 PM PT (Week 3, Spring 2023). Interviews will occur between April 24th and May 12th. For inquiries, please contact us at intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu.

Please review the FAQs and ensure you are able to meet all International Student Ambassador Expectations below before applying.

Applicant FAQs:

  • What is the duration of the Ambassador position? June 2023 - June 2024
  • What is the weekly time commitment? Approximately 1 - 5 hours per week
  • I'm currently an international, third culture/TCK, first year, grad, transfer, and/or out-of-state student, can I apply? Yes!
  • What do you look for in Ambassador applicants? We look for students who have experience and/or interest in expanding their management experience, event planning skills, cultural sensitivity and empathy, intercultural communication competence, technical skills, professional development and more. Candidates should be interested in being a resource to campus and helping to advocate for the needs of the international community.
  • Is this a paid position? The'23 - '24 cohort of International Student Ambassadors will receive a $400 stipend in the fall quarter for their contributions.
  • What else should I know before applying? Ensure you can meet all Ambassador expectations below before applying.

International Student Ambassador Expectations:

  • Dedicate one year to the International Student Ambassador Program (June 2023 - June 2024). The summer commitments will be minimal and virtual.
  • Attend the mandatory New Ambassador Meeting on Tuesday, June 6th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM PT, Week 10 of Spring Quarter 2023.
  • Attend the mandatory Summer Online Orientation on Friday, September 8th, 6:00 - 7:30 AM PT.
  • Participate in the mandatory Ambassador Leadership Training in person on Saturday, September 30th, 10 AM - 5 PM.
  • Attend in-person All-Program Ambassador meetings twice every quarter.
  • Attend the Ambassadors Coffee & Chat (Fall Meet & Greet) on Tuesday, October 24th, 11:30 AM - 1 PM.
  • Attendbi-weekly Committee meetings either online or in-person during the academic year.
  • Actively serve on one Ambassador Committee.
  • Respond to communication within 72 hours.
  • Participate at Dashew Center's Fall Welcome Events.
  • Attend the quarterly Ambassador event.
  • Attend a minimum of two Dashew Center events per quarter as an Ambassador.
  • Maintain involvement and communication with cultural/country-associated student groups on campus.
  • Serve on panels, interviews, focus groups and media projects for the campus and community at-large.
  • Assist with outreach and other special projects as needed.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: Week 3 - Sunday, April 16th, 11:59 PM PT
  • Candidate Interviews: April 24th - May 12th
  • New Ambassador Meeting:Week 10 - Tuesday, June 6th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Dashew Center Board Room
  • Summer Online Orientation: Friday, September 8th, 6:00 - 7:30 AM PT
  • Ambassador Leadership Training: Week 1 - Saturday, September 30th, 10:00 AM - 5 PM, on-campus location TBD
  • Ambassadors Coffee & Chat:Week4 - Tuesday, October 24th, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Meet the Ambassadors

Adnan Shabib

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Amman, Jordan and Manama, Bahrain

Major: Mathematics of Computation
Minor: Digital Humanities

Hobbies & Interests: Liverpool FC, Food, Cross Country, Chess, Watching TV, Sleeping

Bio: Hey! My name is Adnan and I have lived in Bahrain for ten years, then in Jordan for eight years. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing football (soccer!), running cross country, sleeping, playing chess and watching TV shows, my favorite shows being Money Heist and Prison Break. My favorite Arabic dish by far is Maqluba (Google it!), and my favorite color is green. Deciding to attend UCLA was a huge deal for me, because it meant being far away from my family, but after some time I was able to find my own family here and I am glad that I made that decision. If you want to talk about anything, whether you have a million zillion questions about UCLA, or just to have a chill conversation about football (no I will not call it soccer), please do contact me!

Adnan Shabib

Akshata Panda

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology

Hobbies/Interests: Photography, Ukulele, Badminton, Food, Music

Bio: Hello hello! My name’s Akshata and I’ve lived in a beautiful state called Odisha (India) all my life. I love clicking pictures of everything, trying new cuisines, going on midnight walks, and of course talking to people (I will admit that I’m shy at first but give me a while :p); I’ve always loved working with people on subjects I deeply feel for, and coming from such a diverse country has brought with it exposure, appreciation, and great interest in learning about cultures and various ways of living that people around the world have. For me, coming to UCLA had its challenges, but it’s as fun as you make it. The transition can feel overwhelming at times, and it may take a toll on you in several ways, but I want you to know that there are several resources that can help, and I’m here every step of the way if you ever need someone to talk to!

Akshata Panda

Ellen (Liang-Yi) Tsai

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Taipei/Taichung, Taiwan

Major: Computational and Systems Biology
Minor: Society and Genetics

Hobbies/Interests: Watching musicals and volleyball, photography, cooking, playing the guitar

Bio: Hi there, this is Ellen! I was born and raised in Taipei, but my family moved to Taichung just before I came to UCLA. I went to a local high school in Taipei, so I had a rather different high school experience from most of my cohorts here at UCLA. At UCLA, I’m an undergraduate researcher studying human genetics with computational methods, and I’m also a part of SwabSeq, the UCLA COVID19 testing laboratory. Other than that, I enjoy watching musicals and volleyball games, photography, and playing the guitar. If you’re curious about anything at UCLA, feel free to reach out to me! I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Ellen Tsai

Matthias Park

Pronouns: him/he

Home: New Territories, Hong Kong

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hobbies/Interests: Football, Music, Photography, Languages

Bio: Hi everyone, I’m Matthias (or just Mat)! I’m Korean but was born and raised in Hong Kong. I took GCSEs and the IB (International Baccalaureate) in secondary school and am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In my free time, I love watching and playing football (soccer), taking pictures, playing the guitar or bass, and learning languages. I speak Korean, English, German, and some Mandarin. With Hong Kong being extremely different to LA in terms of culture and environment, I’ve experienced lots of adaptation and shocks, and would be more than happy to share my experiences with you or help you with your own transition to UCLA. Whether you’d like to chat about Hong Kong, class planning, or the best food spots in LA, feel free to reach out at any time!

Matthias Park

Oliver Kurilov

Pronouns: He/They

Home: Perm, Moscow - Russia

Major: Computational and Systems Biology; Mathematics

Hobbies/Interests: Film photography, specialty coffee, running, indie music, philosophy, mathematics/physics and broader theoretical academia

Bio: Hi! My name is Oliver and I was born in Perm, a city in Russia nearby the Ural Mountains, but lived in Moscow and spent my late teenage years in United Kingdom, attending the boarding school in Oxford. Traveling from the young age and born in the Post-Soviet Russia, I know how difficult it can be to establish and align with your cultural identity, especially amidst current political climate, so I am here to listen if you ever find yourself at the crossroads of different backgrounds that sometimes counteract with each other. Attending UCLA has been a very interesting chapter in my life and, as a senior, I am happy to help with any questions you might have about life at UCLA and broader USA. I have too many interests, and it's hard to highlight one, but I enjoy reading political philosophy, listening and playing Australian psychedelic rock (I play electric guitar!) and film photography. I am also a president of the Russian Speaking Association, so you can see me at general meetings/broader events including cultural celebrations & fundraisers, so don't hesitate to contact me :)

Oliver Kurilov

Seohyun Min

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: City: Suwon & Seoul | Country: South Korea

Major: Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology (MCDB)

Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, spending time with my dog

Bio: Hey, this is Seohyun! I was born in Seoul, South Korea, spent 5 years of my childhood in São Paulo, Brazil, but mainly spent most of my life in Suwon, South Korea. I went to an IB (International Baccalaureate) international school my entire life before coming to UCLA. In my free time, I love to cook for my family or go on a walk with my dog. Moving thousands of miles alone for college was at first frightening, but I’m more than grateful for the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve made so far. If there’s any questions I can answer, please feel free to reach out!

Seohyun Min

Kongpob Leemingsawat

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Bangkok, Thailand

Degree: Master of Public Policy

Hobbies/Interests: Basketball

Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Kongpob Leemingsawat, and I am from Thailand. I am a graduate student studying public policy, and I also received my Bachelor degree in Public Affairs from UCLA. I love playing basketball, lifting, and playing music. I understand how hard it could be for international students in transitioning to the new environment, so please feel free to contact me if you ever need help with your transition to UCLA or even need a good spot for Thai food around LA!

Kongpob Leemingsawat

Martín González Cabello

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Madrid, Spain

Degree: PhD Operations Management

Hobbies/Interests: Before I had kids I used to travel a lot. I love reading and I really enjoy music. Also I am a huge Real Madrid fan.

Bio: I’m a PhD student at the Decisions, Operations and Technology Management department at Anderson School of Management. Prior to joining UCLA I lived in Chile where I was working at a healthcare company but I also lived in New York, Boston, Riyadh, Rio de Janeiro, Medellin, Chicago among other cities. I am married and I have two kids: Carlota who is 4 years old and Martin who is 2.

Martín González Cabello

Mutsuki Sakai

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Aichi and Tokyo, Japan

Degree: Master of Public Policy

Hobbies/Interests: Travel, Hiking, Workout, and Games

Bio: I was born in Aichi, Japan. I moved to Tokyo when I entered university and have since worked in Tokyo and Kobe. Before joining UCLA, I worked in rural environments and social infrastructure in Japan, so I have insight into traditional Japanese culture and farming communities. I am also interested in soft cultures, such as manga and video games as a hobby, so I can also talk about these. Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to learn more about Japanese culture. Also, if you have any concerns about living in the U.S. from Japan, please feel free to ask me as I may be able to help you from my own experience.

Mutsuki Sakai

Omar Itani

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Home: Beirut, Lebanon

Degree: Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing sports, chess.... I like to go out and discover the area. I like to go to premieres and watch movies. I like to go to TV sets and watch reality TV.

Bio: Hi! My name is Omar, and I am from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. I am pursuing my master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering here at UCLA. Last year was my first year living on my own. It hasn’t been easy leaving home, and I know it’s not, but trust me it’s rewarding. In my free time, I enjoy watching some tennis, soccer and basketball. Also, I am learning how to play tennis but I’m still a beginner. I love reading and enjoy watching movies and tv shows (not during the quarter though because I’d binge-watch all of Netflix). I recently watched Stranger Things and I definitely recommend it. My favorite cuisine is Mediterranean cuisine (can definitely recommend a couple in LA) but I also love Italian and Japanese (I would eat anything though don’t get me wrong). Feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions! I will respond as soon as possible!

Omar Itani

Siddhant Patil

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Home: Pune (City), Maharashtra (State), India

Degree: Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and exploring places :)

Bio: Hi! I am Siddhant and was born in India. I have worked in a diverse set of fields spanning different geographies. My interest lies in the field of Machine Learning and Data Science. I did my undergraduate studies at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) - Pilani, India and undergraduate thesis from Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. I was a part of an exchange program with Hiroshima University, Japan. I love traveling and have visited 12 countries till now. Staying in different countries has exposed me to different cultures and experiences. I hope during your studies at UCLA, you build memories that last throughout your lifetime. Looking forward to exploring more and meeting new people. Please, feel free to get in touch :)

Siddhant

Ali Bilal

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Lahore, Pakistan

Major: Economics and Public Affairs

Hobbies/Interests: Track and Field, running, soccer, backpacking, outdoor adventure, politics/public policy, reading, stocks/investing, business & current affairs

Bio: Hello! My name is Ali and I was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan. Currently, at UCLA, I’m a sophomore interested in economic development, public policy, value investing and entrepreneurship. I love sports, current affairs, traveling, reading, food and connecting with people. Moving to LA was a huge transition for me but over time, I was able to make it my second home. And I hope you’re able to this too! Stepping outside one’s comfort zone opens up opportunities for diverse new experiences with amazing new people. If you ever have any questions or need advice on anything, please feel free to reach out to me! I would love to get to know you and help you out with anything you need!

Ali Bilal

Grace Wu

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Zhejiang, China

Major: Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics
Minor: Food Study

Hobbies/Interests: I LOVE traveling

Bio: I have been studying abroad in the US since middle school. I enjoy baking, cooking, and design my own recipes. In the future I'm designated to go to med school, eventually become a medical oncologist.

Grace Wu

Shannon Park

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Seoul, South Korea

Major: Political Science; Business Economics

Hobbies/Interests: boxing, dancing, journaling, watching k-drama, eating

Bio: Hi! I'm Shannon, a rising junior studying business and political science. I love the Korean culture I was born and raised in, and I am eager to help the Korean community and culture at UCLA thrive. Whether it is dancing to K-pop, enjoying Korean food at K-town, or teaching my friends the Korean language, I am proud of the large Korean culture here at Los Angeles and our UCLA campus. I also love to meet new people and will do my best to help you, so please feel free to reach out!

Shannon Park

Yara Abi Karam

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Lebanon

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hobbies/Interests: Travel, music, tennis, reading, watching TV shows

Bio: Hi! My name is Yara Abi Karam and I'm a second-year Mechanical Engineering major. I grew up in Lebanon and speak English, French, and Arabic fluently. I love traveling, listening to music (especially attending concerts), going on road-trips, and playing tennis. Moving to a different country on your own definitely comes with challenges, but UCLA offers many resources that will make it a lot easier, the Dashew Center being one of them. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions but also if you just want to hang out or try some Lebanese food ;)

Yara Abi Karam

Yuan Zhang

Pronouns: she/her

Home: Shanghai, China

Major: Geography/Environmental Studies (minor: Environmental Systems and Society)

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy anything related to visual art and digital art. I am learning graphic design software and trying to integrate the concept of environmental conservation into landscape architecture. In my free time, I like visiting to museums, art galleries, or exhibitions. My hobbies include playing ukulele, painting, and hiking.

Bio: Hello, my name is Yuan and I was born in Shanghai, China. I am studying Geography and Environmental Studies with a wide range of interests in ecological conservation and urban studies. I spent my first two years of college life at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles. When I first arrived at UCLA, I hadn’t had a chance to have a campus tour, but luckily I attended new students' orientation activities that were hosted by the Dashew Center. I understand adjusting to a new environment takes time and sometimes faces lots of challenges, especially when we are far away from home. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like any help to ease your transition to this big family or just have a chill conversation!

Yuan Zhang

Agastya Rao

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Mumbai, India | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hong Kong

Major: Business Economics and Statistics

Hobbies/Interests: Running and hiking, weight training, badminton, meditating, biking, socializing and meeting new people!

Bio: Hey everyone, I'm Agastya (nickname is Aggy)! Having been born in India and living there for 8 years, then moving to Vietnam and living there for 5 years, then moving to Hong Kong and living there for 5 years, and now at UCLA, I have experienced a fair share of what it's like to move countries and adapt to new cultures, to say the least. I've experienced first-hand both the excitement and the difficulties that comes with it. In my free time at UCLA, I enjoy going to the gym, eating out on weekends, going to Santa Monica, and just chilling on campus since the campus is genuinely beautiful. Feel free to reach out, always happy to answer any questions and get to know you!

Agastya Rao

Arianna Zhao

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Shijiazhuang, China

Major: Cognitive Science
Minor: Film, Television, and Digital Media

Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, watching movies, having random conversations with people

Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Arianna and I was born in Shijiazhuang, a city in northern China. I went to an international high school in Costa Rica, so I know what it feels like to live in a different, diverse environment. If you have any questions about moving to a new place, navigating UCLA, or just wanna hang out, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! I'm excited to meet you!

Arianna Zhao

Carolina Cavalcanti Carvalho

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: São Paulo, Brazil

Major: Pre-International Development Studies

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, fashion, reading, road trips, going to the beach.

Bio: Hello, my name is Carolina. I am from São Paulo, Brazil. I am a pre-International Development Studies hoping to double major in Communication. I’ve also lived two years in New York. I know how hard it is to move to a new country and adapt to a new culture so I am here to help UCLA international students find their places around campus.

Carolina Cavalcanti Carvalho

Mona Abdul Samad

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Beirut, Lebanon and Manama, Bahrain

Major: Psychobiology

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing the piano, tennis as well as dancing. I love traveling, meeting new people and discovering LA!

Bio: Hey everyone! My name is Mona, I am French educated Lebanese, and have lived in Bahrain for 5 years. Deciding to attend UCLA was a huge step of change for me and it was the best decision I could have made! I would love to be here for you and support you to make this place your home too! Feel free to reach out about any questions you have.

Mona Abdul Samad

Sarah Zhari

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Major: Statistics, Public Health Minor

Hobbies/Interests: Cross-stitching, crochet, baking, exploring museums and art galleries

Bio: Hello there! I'm Sarah and I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. In my free time, I love exploring museums, watching movies, cross-stitching, and crocheting! Coming to UCLA in my freshman year was the first time that I've lived outside of Malaysia, so I completely understand if you have any concerns about moving to a new country. If you have any questions or concerns about moving to UCLA, or if you just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Sarah Zhari

Emilia Barriga Cortez

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Quito, Ecuador. Lima, Peru

Major: Pre-Psychology

Hobbies/Interests: Baking, reading, traveling, and learning new languages.

Bio: Hi! My name is Emilia Barriga Cortez. I was born in Quito, Ecuador, and I’ve also lived in New York and Lima, Peru. Going to UCLA was one of the hardest and best decisions as it allowed me to meet new people and explore many of my interests. Living in various countries allowed me to understand the struggles and anxieties of moving abroad. Please reach with if you any questions or advice!

Emilia Barriga Cortez

Illia Shkirko

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Kharkiv, Ukraine

Major: Computer Science and Engineering

Hobbies/Interests: Rock-climbing, Physics, Chinese, Travelling

Bio: Hello! I'm Illia and I grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine! I know four languages (Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Chinese), and I'm passionate about studying Computer Science and Physics. When I have some time on my hands, I like rock-climbing, exploring new places in LA, and trying new food. UCLA has already become my second home, and I'm happy to help you get the best experience here!

Illia Shkirko

Khang Vo

Pronouns: he/him/his

Home: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Major: Human Biology and Society

Hobbies/Interests: Walking and window shopping at target. I'm interested in dentistry.

Bio: My name is Khang. I'm currently a Pre-health student, focusing on dentistry. I hope to become a dentist in the future. In my free time, I love going out and trying new foods and bobas. My favorite food is Com Suon.

Khang Vo

Ronida Cheko

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Mainz, Germany

Major: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB); Anthropology
Minor: Biomedical Research

Hobbies/Interests: Archery, language-learning, art, reading, playing piano/guitar.

Bio: Hello! My name is Ronida and I come from Mainz, Germany, which is about half an hour away from Frankfurt. I’ve also lived in Switzerland for a few years and traveled to several other countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. I attended the Frankfurt International School and moved to the US when I was accepted to UCLA. Academically, I’m very excited about the advances made in scientific and medical research. In my free time, I love playing archery, painting, and learning new languages. I’m also an avid reader, picking everything from classical literature to fantasy novels. I’d like to make you feel welcome at your new home at UCLA, so if you have any questions about our beautiful campus, MCDB, Germany, Switzerland, or have any good book recommendations, feel free to reach out to me!

Rondia Cheko

Yuvika Maheshwari

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Home: Amritsar, India

Major: Global Studies
Minor: Entrepreneurship; Public Affairs

Hobbies/Interests: Rifle-shooting, Adventure Sports, Abstract and Mandala Art,

Bio: Hi there! My name is Yuvika Maheshwari and I was born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, India. I am a Global Studies major with minors in Entrepreneurship and Public Affairs. I have an inherent love for traveling and exploring the world (Fun fact, I have been to 21 countries so far!). I aspire to be working in international business partnerships and supply chains, and am greatly passionate about coalescing global cultures, polities and societies through the power of businesses.
I am an international student and came to the United States for the first time in September of 2021. I have felt both the excitement and the anxiety that engulfs you as you move to this country, and understand that transitioning to life at college and finding your community can be intimidating. I was in your shoes not too long ago, and am here to help you as you create and adapt to your home away from home. If you ever have any questions or concerns, need to rant or vent, want to go for a walk, or simply want to go on a coffee spree, do not hesitate to reach out!

Yuvika Maheshwari

Specialized Committees

  • outreach committee Campus Outreach & Inclusion Committee

    -Goal: Connect with the campus community through social media, marketing, and outreach!

    -Sample Projects: Create social media content, create an active culture-based clubs and organization database, promote events.

    -Members: Adnan Shabib, Akshata Panda, Ellen (Liang-Yi) Tsai, Matthias Park, Oliver Kurilov and Seohyun Min.

  • graduate Graduate Student Committee

    -Goal: Promote engagement and interaction among the international graduate student community!

    -Sample Projects: UCLA After-Hours events, on-campus socials.

    -Members: Kongpob Leemingsawat, Martín González Cabello, Mutsuki Sakai, Omar Itani and Siddhant Patil.

  • advocacy committee International Student Advocacy Committee

    -Goal: Advocate for programs and services to support UCLA international students!

    -Sample Projects: Collect and present student testimonials, plan town hall with USAC International Student Representative Office.

    -Members: Ali Bilal, Grace Wu, Shannon Park, Yara Abi Karam and Yuan Zhang.

  • wellness committee Student Wellness Committee

    -Goal: Improve the holistic wellness of international students!

    -Sample Projects: Co-program a workshop with another campus organization/department, create a Health & Wellness resource document.

    -Members: Emilia Barriga Cortez, Illia Shkirko, Khang Vo, Ronida Cheko and Yuvika Maheshwari.

  • our voice committee Our Voice Committee

    -Goal: Promote Ambassador engagement within the group and with students, as well as the development of Ambassadors within the program!

    -Sample Projects: Organize internal bonding and social activities for Ambassadors, create professional development opportunities for Ambassadors, plan Ambassador Meet & Greet events.

    -Members: Agastya Rao, Arianna Zhao, Carolina Cavalcanti Carvalho,Mona Abdul Samad and Sarah Zhari.