Meet the Office of Global Education Team

• Oversees the Office of Global Education's mission and work.
• Builds and maintains international partnerships.
• Assists faculty in pursuit of global connections (COIL, fellowships, exchange, etc.).
• Has spent time studying and working in Cuba, studying in Mexico (Yucatán), studying in Spain, working in Costa Rica, and traveling in Japan, Guyana, Argentina, Canada, Morocco, and western Europe.

• Advises F-1 International Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Exchange Visitor Advisor (EVA) on visa status maintenance, cultural and academic adjustment, and work authorization.
• Admits incoming international exchange and visiting students from SUNY Oneonta international partner institutions.
• Program coordinator and advisor for all SUNY Oneonta study abroad programs.
• Has spent time living in Austria, studying in India, working as an ELL instructor in South Korea, and traveling to countries throughout Europe and Asia.

• Front desk liaison.
• Responds to phone calls and inquiries to main office phone number and email account.
• Assists with OGE Global Portal.
• Performs general office duties.
• Has spent time traveling in the UK.

Countries I have studied abroad in: Here, US!!

Countries I have visited: Canada, Japan

About me: Hello! I'm a transfer student from Japan (: I love fashion, working out, volleyball, and exploring new things
I would love to be your friend!!!

Countries I have visited: Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, France

About me: Hello! My name is Kelly Acen, and I am a junior Dietetics major. I am an international student from Uganda. I love nature and the outdoors, as well as crocheting. A fun fact about me is that I've crossed the equator four times in one day.

Countries I have visited: Guyana, Italy, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, The Bahamas, France, Curacao, St. Thomas, Canada, England, Panama, Turks and Caicos, and Trinidad and Tobago.

About me: My name is Nadya, I am a Sophomore Music Industry major with a minor in Communication Studies. I'm currently a Peer Mentor for the Office of Equity and Inclusion and I am the President of Music Industry Club. I am from Queens, New York, and some of my hobbies include playing piano, guitar, bass, baking, and traveling!

About Me: I am Guatemalan, and I am an aspiring fashion designer who is hoping to make a change in the fashion industry. My hobbies are dancing/creating choreographies, volunteering, collecting trinkets and thrift shopping. I love drinking coffee and matcha and spending time with the people I care about.

Something on my bucket list: Traveling around the world, attending many fashion shows, and starting a YouTube channel.

Why I wanted to become a Peer Mentor: I was friends with the peer mentors and became friends with some of the international students as well. I found it interesting how they had a big impact on the lives of the mentees, and how the position of a peer mentor is to help others and be a guide for them. I loved the idea of being able to help others and introduce them to a new culture.

Advice to international students: Focus on your goals and create a mindset where you feel comfortable with yourself and being open minded. Also enjoy the time for present you and prepare yourself for FUTURE you. Think of this time to learn about what’s going around the world and being aware.

About Me: I was born in Northern California and grew up between the beautiful states of Nevada and California. I’ve had the opportunity to explore Santa Catalina Island and Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, practicing archery, and experimenting with creative makeup looks.

Something on my bucket list: I want to become fluent in two other languages and write a complete book series!

Why I wanted to become a Peer Mentor: I wanted to become a peer mentor because some of my friends from other countries have shared their struggles with adjusting to life in America. They’ve told me how having a supportive friend really helped them through the culture shock. When I found out about the peer mentor program for international students, I got excited about the opportunity to help others going through similar experiences. My goal is to create a welcoming environment for international students, so they can explore the beauty of our country and connect with people from all over the world. I also can’t wait to learn about their home countries and cultures, which will enrich my knowledge too!

Advice to international students: Don't hesitate to reach out for support whenever you need it! Remember to practice self-care and take time to do something that brings you a sense of home. This will help feel less home-sick! Explore and make new friends!

About Me: Hi everyone, I am Yolanda, born in New York but raised in Ghana, West Africa! I love getting involved on campus and I hope you all do as well!! Also, I usually try to go back home to Ghana at least once a year to see my family!

Something on my bucket list: I REALLY want to travel to south Africa , Zanzibar and Kenya

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor: I decided I want to be a peer mentor because I know how overwhelming the transition can be. Honestly, I wish I had someone like a mentor to help guide me through everything when I first started so it would’ve made a huge difference. Now I want to be that person for someone else.

Advice to International Students: Be very open and say YES to plans (still stay safe), don’t be shy to say hi first. Go to as many events as you can, that is how you meet more people!

About Me: I'm from Venezuela. Bilingual in Spanish and English. I'm a non-traditional student, majoring in Dietetics. I like listening to music, playing any sports (mostly soccer and tennis). You can find me studying or at the gym.

Something on my bucket list: Visit Spain to attend a game of my favorite soccer team, Real Madrid

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor: Being a non-traditional international student, I understood during my first semester how intimidating a new start in a different country can be with a different culture and being completely out of your comfort zone, it shows how small we are in a world full of opportunity where meeting people is really important. Understanding this and going through this situation in first person makes me want to help others and support them so the adaptation process is less difficult.

Advice to International Students: Don't be afraid to talk and try connecting with others. There is a strong welcoming culture around campus. Attend activities, join clubs, talk to your professors, but most important don't be afraid of being yourself.

About Me: I am an international student from Nepal. I enjoy meeting new people and learning their cultures. In my free time, I like traveling, watching movies and swimming.

Something on my bucket list: Summit Everest!

Why I wanted to become a peer mentor: As an International student myself who has been a mentee, I wanted to become a peer mentor to be someone international students can rely on for support, friendship, and guidance during their transition.

Advice to International Students: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help—everyone is here to support you! Be open to new experiences and remember that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. You will just experience time flies by when you go with the flow!