The Office of International Affairs hosted an International Student Leadership Reception on April 14 in the Ohio Union to recognize more than 100 students who have contributed to the successes of students at Ohio State via numerous international programs. Students were recognized for serving as orientation leaders, peer advisors, Signature Event chairs, global ambassadors and participants in programs such as the Exchange Partner Program, the Global Leadership Initiative, International Student Experience Workshops, the English Conversation Program, and the Language Improvement Track.
These students foster cross-cultural understanding and advance an inclusive, welcoming environment at Ohio State that embodies the spirit of Buckeye leadership and service.
International Affairs programs
Signature Event Chairs
A signature event chair leads the planning and execution of major campus traditions like Taste of OSU and Thanksgiving Dinner, working closely with the Office of International Affairs and campus partners. They oversee event logistics, coordinate teams and ensure a successful, large-scale cultural experience for the university community.
- Christine Lee (Taste of OSU)
- Maggie Gu (Taste of OSU)
- Xiaolu Gao (Thanksgiving Dinner)
Peer Advisors
Peer advisors are undergraduate or graduate students who play an integral role in introducing new international students to Ohio State by connecting new students to important university resources and policies as well as sharing their experiences as successful students. Throughout the academic year, peer advisors assist our incoming students and their families in various capacities, all to make the newest members of our community excited and prepared to achieve a successful beginning to their Ohio State career. Peer advisors work in collaboration with other students, the Office of International Affairs professional staff and other Ohio State administrators to ensure that new students have a positive immigration check-in and experience.
International Student Experience Workshop Panelists
Every semester, the Office of International Affairs hosts our International Student Experience Workshop Series for faculty and staff interested in learning more about the international student experience.
The workshops will include presentations by staff from the Office of International Affairs and other offices on campus, as well as a panel of international students who will answer questions and share their experiences on the selected topics.
English Conversation Program and Language Improvement Track
The English Conversation Program brings together domestic and international students in small groups to build friendships, expand cultural understanding and strengthen communication skills through regular conversations and shared experiences. Participants can also join the Language Improvement Track, which offers small, workshop-style sessions focused on developing English speaking and listening skills through guided activities, peer teaching and interactive practice.
Global Ambassadors
A Global Ambassador promotes cultural exchange and global engagement across campus by leading programs, building partnerships and fostering an inclusive community. They organize events such as Global Engagement Nights, collaborate with campus partners and support initiatives that connect students with diverse cultures while developing leadership and communication skills.
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders are a mix of international and domestic undergraduate or graduate student leaders who play an integral role in introducing new international students to Ohio State and the city of Columbus by connecting new students to university resources and policies and sharing their experiences as successful students. Orientation Leaders will be responsible for welcoming and transitioning new international students, answering questions on a variety of topics such as transportation tips, life on campus and things to do in Columbus and leading orientation events around campus and Columbus.
Exchange Partners Program
An exchange partner supports incoming international exchange students by helping them adjust to life at Ohio State and feel welcomed on campus. They build cross-cultural connections through regular communication, campus involvement and shared experiences, while serving as a resource and guide throughout the student’s time in the program.
- Nesrin Allalen
- Mujtaba Almohanna
- Hala Alyounes
- Madison Blue
- Yung Wen (Arwen) Chang
- Albert Chin
- Qingyuan Dong
- Brenae Greer
- Abbie Hodge
- Yuxuan Huang
- Maho Ito
- Elnaz Jamshidi
- Josh Kesten
- Jinyu Liu
- Wei (Will) Liu
- Rosemary Luong
- Natalia Mascarua Martinez
- Yanicia Miranda
- Jaden Mitchell
- Amber Morgan
- Cooper Myers
- Youna Oh
- Ameerah Roy
- Rachel Soon
- Brenna Stevens
- Alice Yang
- Andy Zhang
- Yuneng (Elvin) Zhong
Global Leadership Initiative
The Global Leadership Initiative (GLI) program focuses on building various skills to prepare students in becoming well-rounded global citizens and leaders. The yearly cohort consists of 24 international and domestic students who participate in weekly leadership workshops, networking dinners, social excursions and self-initiated community outreach. The overall purpose of these activities is to achieve the goal of a more globalized campus environment, improvement of social awareness and a focus on career professionalism.
- Ria Chada
- Sara Chen
- Takuma Furukawa
- Austin Gano
- Ruchika Gummadavelly
- Maeve Heaney
- Yuxuan Huang
- Parramoi Jompar
- Tessa Joseph
- Xin Lin
- Sena Mekonnen
- Lisa Nguyen
- Calvin Ni
- Kaylen Niese
- Ayodele Onoyungbo
- Martin Patel
- Devarth Patel
- Kaohtaw Raman
- Meghan Reid
- Lauren Rolda
- Anthony Sainato
- Luke Stephan
- Arina Xiong
- Anastasia Zambidis
- Annie Zhang