Place of Origin: Indonesia
Major: Cognitive Science
Year: 3rd
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia, English, French (Beginner), Hakka, Hokkian, Japanese (Conversational), Mandarin (Intermediate)

About Me: Hailing from Medan, Indonesia! I am an international student who loves to make connections with new people. I am the awardee of the Indonesia Maju Scholarship for studying higher education abroad, and I am also serving as the president to represent all of the 2nd batch of awardees. I am also a hardcore Model UNer, and I have participated in over 20 conferences since late 2021. During my free time, you could find me playing badminton, watching movies, or hanging out with my friends outside.

Fun Fact: I can whistle to any song.

Goals: My short-term goal would simply be to have the best time here in the States and experience the culture as much as I can before coming back to Indonesia. My long-term goals would be working my way to work in a neurotechnology company or do research in a related field. Another side goal I am still pursuing as my hobby is learning more languages.

Message to Incoming International Students: Hello new Aggies! Welcome to UC Davis. I know it should be exciting for you, but please save some of the energy until you get here - as more fun is yet to come. Leaving your family and community and settling into a totally different place may be hard. But do not worry because you can always contact them any time, and we are here to support you! I can't wait to see you here on campus, and I hope you can create some core memories along your journey.

Place of Origin: India
Major: Cognitive Science 
Year: 3rd
Languages: English, Hindi, Mandarin, Tamil

About Me: I am a generally extroverted person that loves meeting new people! I was born in India but grew up in the US and China. In my free time I like to read, listen to music, spend time with friends, and play with my dog. I also enjoy working out and engaging in other physical activities like hiking and playing volleyball.

Fun Fact: I have a golden retriever named Chutni. He was named after the Indian spread chutney! 

Goals: One of my short-term goals is to excel in my college classes (both major-related and general education classes). One of my long-term goals is to get a job I love (whatever that may be) and to travel the world with the close friends I’ve made in college!  

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! We are so excited to have you here! Moving to a new place can be equally nerve-wracking and exciting, but we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help navigating campus life, have questions, or just want someone to hang out with or study with—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I truly look forward to getting to know you and being a part of your UC Davis experience! 

Place of Origin: Ukraine
Major: Biotechnology 
Year: 2nd
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English

About Me: I'm originally from Ukraine and moved to the States only three years ago. I love trying new sports and hobbies, hanging out with my friends, and going on various trips. I like to be outdoors and just lie down on the grass to study or relax. Also, I love learning about new cultures and trying their food!

Fun Fact: My uncle is Spanish, and I try to learn Spanish so I can speak with him.

Goals: My goal for this year is to go to the gym  to work out more or play sports with friends. Also, my academic goal is to figure out all the nuances of switching majors.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I hope your transition goes smoothly and that you have the chance to meet lots of wonderful people here. We are excited to meet all of you and will do our best to support you on this journey.

Place of Origin: Bolivia
Major: International Relations
Minor: Human Rights
Year: 4th
Languages: English, Spanish

About Me: I was born in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Travel, exploring it the world and its great cultures is a passion of mine. Here at UC Davis, I like meeting and learning from international students from across the globe. Besides that, I also enjoy moonlit nights, long walks on the beach, and unicorns.

Fun Fact: I once had a sloth living in a tree behind my house. He was very cute. Miss you sloth!

Goals: I want to study abroad, and hopefully will soon! In the long-term, my major opens many doors, all of which appeal to me. However, I much prefer to take things one step at a time.

Message to Incoming International Students: Coming to a new country is a major shift, but I hope that you will come to love – as I have – the international community here at UC Davis. Studies can be hard but find time to meet new people and explore. I and my fellow mentors will do all that we can to help you achieve success!

Place of Origin: United States
Majors: International Relations and Communication
Year: 4th
Languages: Spanish, English

About Me: Although I was born and raised in California, I am Mexican. In my free time I love visiting the beach and spending time with my family. I also love going on road trips and visiting new places. 

Fun Fact: I collect post cards from every place I have traveled to. 

Goals: My short-term goal is to be successful in my classes and get good grades. My long-term goal is to become fluent in another language (hopefully Italian)!

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I know that being in a new environment can be overwhelming and emotional, so we are here to help and support you in this new journey. We are rooting for you and wish you all the absolute best! 

Place of Origin: China
Major: Psychology and Statistics
Minor: Education
Year: 3rd
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese

About Me: I was born and raised in China. I like hanging out with friends, hiking, watching concerts, and musicals. I like making friends with others and sharing our culture. 

Fun Fact: I have learned a bit of fortune telling. 

Goals: My short-term goal is to finish my studies at UC Davis. My long-term goal is to use my psychology degree to help more people.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! Trust me, you're gonna love it here! If you feel alone, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I am here for you. Hope you enjoy this journey!

Place of Origin: United States
Major: International Relations
Minor: Human Rights, War-Peace Studies
Year: 3rd
Languages: English, French, Spanish (intermediate), Mandarin (elementary)

About Me: I am a first generation American to two French parents, so I speak French and English fluently. I also speak Spanish, and I'm currently learning Mandarin. I grew up in the U.S., but I've spent almost all my summers in France. I am a part of the international students club here on campus and love learning languages. In my free time I hangout with my friends, crochet, read and listen to music. 

Fun Fact: I've have played the piano for a little over 8 years. 

Goals: My current short-term goals is to finish my degree and get some internships while I am at it. My long-term goal is to continue my studies and language learning to eventually work at the UN.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! You made a great choose in coming here, UC Davis is an awesome university with a beautiful campus and amazing people you are sure to make great connections with. I am very excited to meet you all and for you all to have and wonderful university experience here at Davis!

Place o

f Origin: China
Major: Statistics
Year: 4th
Languages: Chinese, English

About Me: I’m an international student who speaks both Chinese and English, and I’m passionate about sports, especially badminton, golf, and boxing. I’m currently involved in clubs like Aggie Esports Analysis. In my free time, I enjoy gaming, working out, and exploring new cultures through global learning experiences.

Fun Fact: I enjoy playing golf, even though I only started recently—now it's one of my favorite ways to relax and challenge myself.

Goals: In the short term, I hope to improve my English-speaking skills and gain more hands-on experience through campus jobs and club involvement. In the long term, I aim to pursue a career that combines statistics and sports analytics and possibly attend graduate school. I also want to continue building leadership skills and help other international students adjust to life in the U.S.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis—you're about to start an amazing adventure! Being an international student is a bold and exciting step, and there’s so much waiting for you here. Make new friends, try new things, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You’re going to do great, and we’re so excited to have you here!

Place of Origin: China
Major: Statistics 
Year: 4th
Languages: Mandarin, English

About Me: I was born and raised in China. I like listening to music, doing crafts, and trying delicious food. I am outgoing and like to be with friends. Spending time with friends and family makes me really happy.

Fun Fact: I like making bracelets.

Goals: My short-term goal is to finish all my course with high quality and build a close connection with all of your guys. My long-term goal is to become an data analyst.

Message to Incoming International Students: Congratulation and welcome to UC Davis! This a big family with lots of resources and really good people. There may be some challenges at first, but don't worry, we are always here to offer help. Looking forward to creating wonderful memories with you！

Place of Origin: Russia
Major: Sustainable Environmental Design
Year: 4th
Languages: Russian, English, Spanish (elementary)

About Me: I grew up in Russia and moved to the US when I was 17. I love dancing, traveling, and meeting new people. I have a strong passion for sustainability because throughout my childhood I spent all my summers in an ecovillage in rural Central Russia. I play tennis and love being outdoors to enjoy nature.

Fun Fact: I have seven siblings!

Goals: My goal is to become an urban planner and shift the way people perceive and build communities. I want people all around the world to have an opportunity to live in safe, healthy, sustainable, and welcoming places. 

Message to Incoming International Students: Hi, Global Aggies! I want you to know you are very welcome here. Go pursue your dreams, we will have your back and support through all the challenges! UC Davis deeply cares about its international students. I'm here to help you find out about all the resources UC Davis has to offer to support your growth. 

Place of Origin: Vietnam
Major: Food Science, Statistics
Year: 2nd
Languages: Vietnamese, English

About Me: I grew up in Vietnam and moved to the U.S. in 2019. I’m a big foodie (which explains my major), and I love trying cuisines from all over the world. I’m the kind of person who can spend hours cozying up with a good show or building tiny figures, but I also love stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s a concert, outdoor activity, or just something I haven’t done before, I’m always down to try it!

Fun Fact: I’m currently building up my spice tolerance so I can enjoy more spicy food. Yes, it's painful, but there’s something weirdly addictive about the heat!

Goals: One of my short-term goals is to make the most of my time at UC Davis. People say college is one of the best times in your life, and it’s hard to get that time back. In the long run, I hope to explore the world and build meaningful relationships with people along the way.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! This is such an exciting new chapter in your life, and I’m really happy to be part of your journey. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and helping you adjust to life here. Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything, even just a friend to hang out with.

Place of Origin: Japan
Major: Managerial Economics 
Minor: Technology Management
Year: 3rd
Languages: Japanese, English

About Me: I’m an international student from Japan and a huge dog lover! I speak English and Japanese fluently, and I’m currently learning Korean and French as my third and fourth languages. I’ve been a member of the pre-health sorority Kappa Gamma Delta for the past three years. Dance has been a big part of my life—I started in 4th grade and continued through high school, and it’s still my favorite form of movement. Every summer, I joined programs like YMCA and UCLA summer schools, where I gained valuable global learning experiences and had the chance to connect with local English speakers.

Fun Fact: I’m a huge dog lover—especially when it comes to pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs! At one point, my family had seven dogs at home. Sadly, two of them passed away recently, but we still have five dogs, plus four humans in the house—so it’s a lively home of nine!

Goals: Short-term, my goal is to make the most of my final year at UC Davis, both academically and through meaningful experiences, and I hope to receive a full-time job offer. Long-term, I hope to discover a career path that genuinely excites me, while also providing financial stability and room to grow professionally and personally.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and UC Davis! I am happy and excited to show you around what it is like to be a student at UC Davis and connecting international students with domestic students. Looking forward to meet you soon!

Place of Origin: China
Major: Communication
Minor: Education
Year: 3rd
Languages: Chinese, English 

About Me: I’m passionate about a mix of creative hobbies. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I love playing guitar, especially when jamming to indie rock songs. Digital painting and model building are my go-to ways to unwind. I often spend weekends creating sci-fi landscapes or assembling miniature dioramas. Photography is another obsession—I enjoy capturing street scenes and nature shots, and sometimes combine my photos with digital art. 

Fun Fact: I used to be a photographer for some Chinese singers.

Goals: My short-term goal is to excel in my upcoming summer internship. After that, I plan to return home for a balanced break—reconnecting with family, exploring local hiking trails to recharge, and using the downtime to revisit my photography hobby, which helps me reflect on experiences and stay creatively inspired before the new academic term.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to this vibrant academic community! As you embark on this journey, embrace the chance to blend new cultural experiences with learning—whether exploring campus clubs or connecting with peers from around the world, every interaction is a bridge to growth. Remember, this community is here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help or dive into new adventures. Here’s to a semester unforgettable memories!

Place of Origin: India
Major: Psychology, Human Development 
Year: 3rd
Languages: English, Tamil, Hindi

About Me: I am from Bangalore, India and moved to the US with my family at the age of 18. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, going on long walks, finding new places to hangout with my friends, and reading. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about their cultures. 

Fun Fact: The last bite of every meal that I eat has to be bland.

Goals: My short-term goals are to do by best in my classes while gaining more experiences at UC Davis. My long-term goal is to have a practice-based psychology career. 

Message to Incoming International Students: Congratulations on getting into UC Davis! I look forward to meeting you all and helping you have a wonderful time here. Leaving behind everything from your home country can be daunting, but I promise that you will make meaningful connections at this wonderful place. Feel free to reach out for any help!

Place of Origin: Russia
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Year: 2nd
Languages: Russian, English

About Me: I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia and came to UC Davis for college. I live an active lifestyle and am passionate about sports — you will probably find me at the ARC (Activities and Recreation Center) almost every day. I also enjoy spending time walking around downtown, exploring the arboretum, and visiting the farmers market. I am really excited to be a mentor and look forward to supporting incoming students on their journey!

Fun Fact: I have been doing synchronized swimming for 10 years.

Goals: My short-term goal is to start doing bioinformatics research on campus. In the long term, I hope to work in the healthcare industry as a bioinformatician. One day, I’d love to start my own company that develops accessible, data-driven medical technologies to improve healthcare for all.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here to support you and help make this transition as smooth and exciting as possible. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and connect with others. I am so excited to meet you and be part of your journey!

Place of Origin: China
Major: Computer Engineering
Year: 2nd
Languages: Chinese, English

About Me: I’m an international student from China. My hobbies are pretty extensive. I enjoy reading Chinese web novels and playing video games and card games. I also like sports like badminton and tennis. I’m also part of the UC Davis Fencing Club.

Fun Fact: I know spicy food upsets my stomach, but I love it too much to stop.

Goals: In the short term, I want to get all A’s in my classes, become more outgoing, and make more friends. In the long term, I hope to work in the tech industry and help create useful and innovative technology.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! As an international student myself, I know it can feel scary at first, but you’ll meet many kind people and quickly find your place here. Don’t be afraid to try new things and talk to others—everyone is learning and growing together. I’m excited for you to start this journey!

Place of Origin: United States
Major: International Relations
Year: 2nd
Languages: Indonesian and English

About Me: I’m majoring in International Relations with a strong interest in environmental issues, public policy, and global cultures. I love hiking, doing outdoor activities, and spending time in nature. I speak English and Indonesian, and I’ve had the opportunity to go abroad on a scholarship, where I completed over 100 hours of volunteer work and participated in school clubs like Interact and Leo Club. I'm also the founder of the Lebebae community, which focuses on environmental preservation. In the future, I hope to become a lecturer or professor and help guide the next generation of changemakers.

Fun Fact: I love exploring nature.

Goals: In the short term, I hope to continue building my leadership skills, support other international students at UC Davis and get more involved in programs that promote global learning and sustainability. Long term, I aspire to work in international policy and eventually become a professor, using education and advocacy to make a positive impact on global communities and the environment.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! As an international student myself, I know how exciting and overwhelming this journey can be but you’re not alone. You’re joining a diverse and supportive community where you’ll learn, grow, and make lifelong memories. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, try new things, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your adventure!

Place of Origin: Taiwan
Major: Food Science
Minor: Technology Management 
Year: 2nd
Languages: English, Mandarin

About Me: I grew up in Taiwan and have now come to study abroad at UC Davis as an international student. I love spending time in nature and engaging in various outdoor sports. One habit I've started is running at night at the Arboretum. I am looking forward to meeting all new people and sharing good food together!

Fun Fact: I don't know how to cook yet even though I am a food science major. Hopefully I'll improve a lot this year.

Goals: I hope to join some public performance clubs this year that may require more time and dedication. In addition, I would like to step out of my comfort zone to make new friends with students from culture different from my own and maintain these relationships. 

Message to Incoming International Students: Hello, new Aggies! UC Davis is a great place to form new, long-lasting relationships through our various classes, clubs, and events. It is common to feel both anxious and excited to start a new stage of life here, but don't forget that we are always here to support you!

Place of Origin: Malaysia
Major: Animal Science
Year: 2nd
Languages: English, Mandarin 

About Me: I was born in Malaysia and have lived in Singapore and Beijing. I love traveling, good food, staying active, watching TV shows and movies, and exploring different cultures. I am passionate about animals and have two dogs of my own. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and socializing.

Fun Fact: I can play the piano. 

Goals: I want to build new intercultural relationships through the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and meet more people to learn about different cultures. I also want to pursue a career in veterinary sciences and become a companion animal veterinarian.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I'm so excited to get to know you. As international students, you play a big part in enriching the community at UC Davis. Embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. You belong here, and we’re excited to support you every step of the way. 

Place of Origin: United States
Major: Food Science
Minor: Asian American Studies
Year: 4th
Languages: English

About Me: My hobbies include listening to music, doing arts and crafts, and cooking.  I love trying new foods and learning new languages, so I would love to learn more! On campus I’m usually at the Craft Center or Robert Mondavi Institute in Food Science Department. I’m only fluent in English but I’ve learned a bit of Japanese, French, and also Dutch from when I studied abroad.

Fun Fact: I’m a twin! I’m older, my twin sister is taller, and she studies business and marketing in New York!

Goals: I want to make new friends and explore more of Davis that I haven’t seen! I hope to grow more as a person to enjoy my fourth year at UC Davis and life beyond university.

Message to Incoming International Students: Welcome to Davis! I hope that you enjoy learning more about the university and life in California. I look forward to helping you get to know life at UC Davis!

Place of Origin: United States
Major: Managerial Economics
Minor: Accounting
Year: 3rd
Languages: English, Mandarin 

About Me: I'm from San Francisco! I'm majoring in managerial economics and minoring in accountin and hope to become a corporate girlie in the future. I love traveling, crocheting, photography, listening to music, and eating. During my free time, I enjoy visiting cafes and tea shops. I also have effective time management, so I like to study and stay on top of things! 

Fun Fact: I have no siblings or cousins. 

Goals: My short-term goal is to put myself out there, meet people from various cultures, and maintain good grades. In the long term, I'd want to pursue a career in accounting and get a CPA license. 

Message to Incoming International Students: Hi, Aggies! Welcome to UC Davis! I understand it may be hard to adjust initially, but we're all here to support you! I hope you have the best time here!