International Student Ambassadors

International Student Ambassadors are a group of dedicated students who generously volunteer their time to welcome new international students and help them transition to living in Memphis and campus life at the UofM. 

Responsibilities

• Volunteer 5-10 hours a week with the program. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
  • Assist with International New Student Orientation
  • Assist with airport pick-up for international students
  • Serve as an available resource for international students
  • Respond to email or WhatsApp inquiries
  • Assist with programming for international students
  • Provide information about campus life and answer student questions
  • Welcome international visitors to campus
  • Identify opportunities to advocate for the international student community

Eligibility

• Must be in good academic standing
• Must have no holds on record
• Must have good communication and friendly attitude
• Must be able to work independently and as a team member
• Must collaborate with CIES staff & ISA executive team
• Must be available to attend training & meetings
• Must commit to the position for a full semester

Benefits

• Paid hourly
• Develop public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving skills
• Network with University staff and fellow Ambassadors
• Receive a certificate of participation and letter of reference from International Programs

Expectations

• Ambassadors are expected to hold this role for one academic year with the opportunity to re-apply for subsequent terms provided that all the qualifications and expectations have been successfully met by the student
• Attend ISA meetings
• Participate in the Ambassador training prior to International Student Orientation
• Engage with new international students during Orientation and throughout the academic year

Meet Our Ambassadors

Samuel Kiran Kurela
Academic Level/Major : Master’s in Data Science 
Hometown : Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India 
Languages : English, Hindi, Telugu 
Fun fact about me : I loving cooking 
Favorite thing about UofM : It feels like home 

 Alaika Sahni
Academic Level: Sophomore
Academic Major: B.S. Commercial Aviation 
Hometown: Chandigarh, India 
Fun fact: I am vegetarian & a foodie
Favorite thing about UofM: One of my favorite things about UofM is the experience and in-depth knowledge of the faculty.

Ashmita Nauhria 
Academic level:  Sophomore
Academic major: Biology (pre-med track)
Hometown: Moga, Punjab, India 
Fun fact about me: I enjoy writing songs!
Favorite thing about UofM: There are many student organizations for anyone to find a crowd they feel the most comfortable with and explore their interests! I also love all of my professors!

Emma Gruggett 

Academic Level: Junior

Academic Major: Computer Science and World Languages

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Languages: English and German

Fun fact about me: I love traveling. 

Favorite thing about UofM: The people and activities offered.

Tabatha Pena Riquelme

Academic Level:  Junior

Academic Major: Commercial Aviation with a minor in German

Home country: Mexico

Languages: Spanish, English, working on German :)

Fun fact about me: I love being outdoors.

Favorite thing about the UofM: The friendships I have made.

Uzair Afnan Khan

Academic Level: Freshman

Academic Major: Civil Engineering

Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana State India

Languages: English, Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu

Fun fact about me: I have never broken a bone and I'm not allergic to anything.

Favorite thing about the UofM: Apart from academics- the welcomeness of the community.

Sandeep Kolluru

Academic Level: Graduate

Academic Major: Information Systems

Hometown: Nellore, Andrah Pradesh India

Languages: English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada

Fun fact about me: I am a good listener and I am good at cooking.

Favorite thing about the UofM: The University has a great environment for learning and rich campus heritage makes us feel like real Tigers!

Krunal Pardasani

Academic Level: Graduate

Academic Major: Information Systems

Hometown: Vadodara, Gujarat India

Languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati

Fun fact about me: I love trekking. 

Favorite thing about the UofM: The Tiger Garden