New class of Global Ambassadors help bridge cultures and build community

The International Student Services Global Ambassador (GA) program offers international students a warm welcome and invaluable support as they navigate life in a new country. Global Ambassadors, who are international students themselves, provide peer advising, friendship, and organize activities to help newcomers adjust to their surroundings. Let’s meet this year’s class of incredible GAs.

 

Aariya

From: India  

Major: Pre-Business

For Aariya, being a GA means representing the “spirit of hospitality and cultural exchange.” She sees Global Ambassadors as the cheerful faces who greet students at the airport, help them navigate campus, and provide crucial support during their transition. Reflecting on her own arrival, Aariya recalls how the free airport pickup service was a lifeline: “It made my arrival smooth and stress-free, ensuring that I could get to home without any issues.” What she loves most about her role is the chance to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and help them feel at home. “The friendships I’ve made and the chance to learn about different cultures are experiences I truly value,” she shares.

 

 

María

From: Lima, Peru

Major: Psychology

María’s passion for making students feel comfortable in their new environment stems from her own experience of arriving in Tucson. “I know how it feels to come alone to a major country,” she explains. While she didn’t use the airport pickup service herself, she loves being part of the welcoming team now. “Being the first person that they see when they come for the first time to Tucson was a big responsibility,” she says, recalling how she made students feel comfortable and respected. For María, the best part of being a GA is the friendships she’s formed with people from around the world, making them feel “safe and happy” in their new home.

 

 

Catalina

From: Chile 

Majors: Anthropology and History

Catalina sees the role of a GA as helping international students create their own University of Arizona experience. “We help them create a sense of community,” she says. Although she didn’t interact with GAs before becoming one, she vividly remembers the warm welcome from International Student Services. As part of the airport pickup team, she enjoys being the “first friendly face” students see when arriving in Tucson. Catalina looks forward to creating more experiences for international students that help them feel at home and find their community at the university.

 

 

Ngoc

From: Vietnam 

Major: Management Information Systems

Ngoc, inspired by her interactions with GAs before joining the program, strives to support new international students with resources and opportunities. She knows how challenging it can be as an international student, and she’s eager to help others feel comfortable asking questions. “I would love to support our new students and make them feel comfortable,” she says. Ngoc is most excited to see students enjoy their time on campus and participate in the events organized by GAs throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

Sevinch

From: Uzbekistan

Major: Law

Sevinch brings her leadership skills and warm personality to her role as a GA, helping students from different countries feel welcome. She fondly remembers using the airport pickup service and believes it’s an excellent way to shape students’ first impression of the U.S. “We understood that we might be the first person they meet in America, shaping their first impression of the country they’ve been dreaming about,” she reflects. Sevinch is committed to helping students boost their networking and self-esteem while encouraging them to explore all the opportunities the university offers.

 

 

 

Harshit

From: India

Majors: Journalism & Global Studies

Harshit sees his role as a GA as an opportunity to help new and existing international students make a smooth transition to university life. For him, the best part of being a GA is sharing his own experiences and helping students find jobs on campus. “Some places have openings multiple times a year,” he notes, highlighting his efforts to support students beyond just providing advice. This year, Harshit is excited about returning to India after 17 months but remains dedicated to helping new students feel at home during his time on campus.

 

 

 

Together, these Global Ambassadors embody the spirit of connection, support, and cultural exchange that defines the University of Arizona’s international community. For a rundown of events and activities offered by International Student Services, please read the article, International Student Services offers opportunities for students to connect and grow or visit the calendar of events.