INTERNATIONAL PEER COACHING PROGRAM

Michelle Huynh

International Peer Coaching Program Coordinator

Personal gender pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? You may be far away from home but find small ways to make yourself feel at home. This may be cooking and sharing your favorite meals with your roommates or joining a social organization close to your own cultural background. Home is always where you are.

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? Being a part of the Theatre District at UC San Diego, especially since La Jolla Playhouse is right on campus. I was also excited to meet everyone in my program and further develop my teaching career at UC San Diego.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? At the beach and enjoying my weekends at the mall. I am slowly building my indoor jungle as a newly minted "plant mom," so you can catch me at the local plant nurseries as well. I also love trying new drink spots around San Diego for a good cup of coffee or delicious boba.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I grew up in Hawaii where the sociocultural dynamics are vastly different from the continental US. I, too, had to adjust to the different culture here in "the mainland." I also grew up with multilingual first-generation immigrant parents, so I truly empathize with the difficulties that come with transitioning to live in a new country and/or culture.

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? Begin writing my dissertation, prepare for my research in Southeast Asia next year, collaborate with other theatre artists, and better serve the UC San Diego community.

Trini Kellemen

Eleanor Roosevelt College International Peer Coach

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Get out of your comfort zone!! Get as involved as you can, in organizations, clubs, study groups, etc. Try to build relationships with friends, classmates and don't be scared to talk to your professors!

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? About meeting new people, making new friends and exploring SD!

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? Reading somewhere in SD (I love books) or going out for a run and jumping in the ocean. Or just hanging out with my roommates at home.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I'm kind of an introvert, but I push myself to meet new people and try new things even though they can be scary sometimes at first. To all the introverts out there, if I can, you can too!!

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? I want to learn how to surf; I love the ocean so I think I would enjoy surfing very much. Also, try to start a little project in my lab, and maybe take a dance class somewhere in SD!

Ailana Nurgaliyeva

Eighth College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Major: Neurobiology and Business Psychology

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Keep an open mind about everything — your field of study, your career path, your friend circle, your extracurriculars. This is a time of exploration in your life and you should seize the day!

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? I was the most excited about the unlimited possibilities that UC San Diego had to offer for me. I think that throughout my time at UC San Diego I got to experience so many amazing things, and the first year is just the beginning!

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? When I’m not on campus, I am probably exploring beaches, doing Pilates, Making content all around, or spending time with my friends!

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? One interesting fact about me is that I have lived in 5 cities — Almaty, Moscow, Berlin, San Diego and Washington DC!

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? 1. Stay on top of all of my commitments and lead my student organization with grace! 2. Improve my academics and always keep on learning 3. Stay healthy! It is very important for me this year!

Nick Jobe

Muir College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: he/him/his 

Major: Computer Engineering 

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Whether you're struggling with a class or finding it hard to make friends, the only mistake you can make is not asking for help.

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? I was excited to live here. Don't get me wrong, SoCal can be super expensive, but it absolutely lives up to the hype.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? Wiping out at La Jolla Shores; “Studying” at the Price Center Game room; Trying out new food spots; Chasing sunsets all over the city. 

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? On weekends, I get up super early to watch Formula 1. I haven’t been to a Grand Prix yet, but that is definitely on my bucket list. 

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? Getting an internship. Dedicating more time to bettering myself — reading 20 mins a day; working out every day; journaling. Becoming more financially responsible. 

Arohi Raychaudhuri

Warren College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Major: Business Economics

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Prioritize finding a community where you feel valued and respected. Find people who inspire you to be the best version of yourself by taking risks and challenging yourself, but also hold onto you on days when you need comfort and support.

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? Exploring SD- the beaches, bonfires, hiking trails, and Mexican culture at Old Town. My personal favorite though would be spotting the bioluminescent waves!

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? Cafe hopping at La Jolla Shores, shopping at Fashion Valley, running errands at Trader Joe's or watching HIMYM on my couch.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I have been meaning to take surfing lessons at UCSD for a while and if you are looking for company during classes, I'm always down! Also, I think I can safely identify as a connoisseur of coffee and ice cream places in SD and would love to give recs if you ever need some.

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? First, I will pursue my personal interests actively along with academics (Be more consistent with my writing, reading new genres, and dancing). Second, prioritize my health by cooking fresh food at home and working out. Lastly, I will leverage my position with ISPO to meet and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds to learn, unlearn, and create a worldview shaped from first hand experiences.

Xiaoyu (Mary) Liu

Sixth College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/they/them 

Major: Theatre 

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Don't doubt your ability, especially in speaking a foreign language and connecting with people. Just go ahead and try! You are braver than you thought.

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? I was most excited about making friends who came from across the globe and find shared passion in things, like sports, food, interests, etc.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? You can find me playing table tennis, going to the beach, or exploring good restaurants in San Diego.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I am a first-generation student from Shanghai, China.

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? 1. I want to support artists around me and help produce more creative works. 2. I want to bring sustainability into the theater department and a broader community. 3. I want to spare more time to do sports and practice harmony with self.

Sofia Gonzalez-Gasque

Seventh College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Visual Arts Media & Literature-Writing

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? I advise you to go out as much as you can, even if it is just a simple stroll on campus. Check posters on hallways, find clubs, bump into people you might have things in common, etc. Never be closed to speaking to someone new even if they're completely different from you.

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? I was excited to meet new people, both internationals and Americans to learn about different cultures and make friends. I was also excited to live alone in a completely different culture.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? Trying new coffee shops, watching the sunset, playing tennis and hanging out with friends.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I love meeting people from around the world and learning how our experiences back home are either similar or different.

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? My top goal is to meet more people and help them feel as welcome as possible because believe me, I've been there.

Shriya Gupta

Revelle College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Major: Human Biology 

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? Expand your comfort zone and get involved on-campus. College is a great time to experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things and make as many memories as you can :) 

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? Making friends of different cultures and exploring San Diego.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? 1) Roaming around in Target and realizing how broke I am, lol; 2) Main Gym, I don't workout :'-( only cardio; 3) At open desk, doing my overdue tasks; 4) Rogers because it has the best iced latte.

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? A fun conversation, good photos and beach are enough to make me happy. 

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? 1) Get more involved on-campus and not just my college; 2) Become a TA; 3) Spend more time on my hobbies and not just academics.

Anousha Singh

Marshall College International Peer Coach 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Major: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

What is a piece of advice you have for first-year international students? In this phase of your life, you are going to experience a newfound sense of freedom. Your mind is going to be awakened and challenged like never before! So, accept that you will fail that one math test. Put your hand up in class only to get the answer wrong. Wonder and cherish it all before it ends!

During your first year as an international Triton, what were you most excited about? To start with a fresh canvas; new people, adventures, and search for a new sense of ‘home’ in the city of San Diego.

When you're not on campus, people can find you doing what or being where? You would definitely find me at cute coffee shops as an excuse to do my ‘homework’. Obviously, catching free sunsets, mornings at the RIMAC gym, and almost anywhere where there are good vibes and food!

What is an interesting fact you want your mentees to know about you? I have been grateful to have lived in many countries/cities; Shanghai being my favorite out of all….a must visit! FUN FACT: “When I was in 8th grade, I was in my 10th school!”

What are your top goals for the upcoming academic year? Extracting the most out of my last year in UCSD; building more connections academically and socially. Altogether, manifesting a great year filled with many accomplishments.

What is American Work Culture? Expert Chat w/ Josue Pinal, Associate Director - International Students, Career Center

Are you an international student looking for jobs? Thinking about working in the US after graduation? Looking for tips on networking and landing a job? Please join us and view this recorded Fall 2022 webinar of "What is American Work Culture? - Expert Chat w/ Josue Pinal, Associate Director for International Students at the Career Center" to learn more about career development in the US along with some tips and tricks to begin your professional journey. 

This event has been developed and curated by the International Peer Coach Program with the Career Center.

Got questions or want a follow-up? Email ipeercoaching@ucsd.edu and we can set you up with an IPC!

Why should I participate in the International Peer Coaching Pilot Program?

International Peer Coaches are international students like you who would like to help you navigate this new endeavor that is college!

There are many reasons to participate, these are just a few of the ones our students have mentioned:

• Desire to get connected on campus.
• Interest in having a mentor who has gone through similar experiences.
• Support for adjusting to American culture.
• Help with registration tools.
• Access to academic, career-building and social resources.
• Feelings of isolation on campus.
• Feelings of struggle within coursework.
• The need for an "accountability buddy" as it relates to your time here at UC San Diego.

What is the time commitment?

We encourage you to meet with your International Peer Coach 2 -3 times per quarter. Meeting times range from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Your coach will provide you with activities to complete that directly relate to your goals and needs. Completing these before your meetings will be helpful for you and your coach to debrief and make next steps.

Activities might include:

• Academic and community-based programming
• Faculty office hours
• Visiting a relevant resource on campus
• Participating in major- and career-focused activities

You can also meet with a coach for quick questions. These meetings may be drop-in during Virtual hours, reaching out to coaches through Microsoft Teams, or by appointment.

I live in another time zone and it's hard to make time for extra activities. What are my options?

We can definitely accommodate you digitally! Let us know your availability.

How do I set up a time to meet with an International Peer Coach?

Make an appointment here.

You can also chat with your peer coaches by joining their International Peer Coaching Virtual Community on Microsoft Teams!

Zoom - One-on-One Peer Coaching

Our International Peer Coaches offer one-on-one virtual peer coaching through Zoom video and Microsoft Team video.

Microsoft Teams - Virtual Community

Through Microsoft Teams, our students can engage with their fellow first year international peers, peer coaches, and staff. It is a central hub for students to gain access to resources, events, and support.

Regional Meet-ups

Join our social events to learn, laugh, and play games with other international students, peer coaches, and staff during your regional time-zone! Check out the times and weeks below!

Intercultural Social Hour

Sometimes you just need a break. At Intercultural Social Hour, you can hang out, relax, and play games while meeting new people (both international and domestic students) in a fun environment. Now that we have taken Intercultural Social Hour online, join from wherever you are and let's play across time-zones!

Weekly E-mails

Our International Peer Coaches engage with their students through weekly personalized email messages updating on events, resources, and topical information to aid in the students’ success.