Connect with Current Global Ambassadors
OHIO’s Global Ambassador team is a dedicated group of international undergraduate students who work closely with the International Admissions staff. Like you, they were once prospective international students who wanted to learn more about the place they would soon call home. Now, they’re here to assist other prospective and admitted undergraduate students with questions about studying in another country, student life at OHIO, and living in Athens.
The Global Ambassadors are eager to discuss life at OHIO and share their own unique experience of making OHIO their forever home! Contact an ambassador using the form below or request our help in being matched with an ambassador by emailing admissions@ohio.edu.
Student Global Ambassadors
Ellie Dang, Class of 2026
I'm from: Hai Phong, Viet Nam
Areas of Study: Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy major with a minor in Psychology.
Favorite OHIO Moment: Being a part of the Bobcat community, the best experiences at OU for me were Homecoming and Street Fair. Homecoming showcased the strong spirit of the university, with impressive performances and a vibrant community. Street Fair provided cultural connections among students from around the world, offering new perspectives and unforgettable moments.
Javier Serrano, Class of 2027
I'm from: Quito, Ecuador
Area of Study: Chemical Engineering major and Chemistry minor
Favorite OHIO Moment: Being an international student can be scary, but there are just so many activities to do that you will feel included from the first week. I got along so well with 2 students from the chess club that we ended up playing the piano at Baker Center for hours. Other international students from a nearby event joined us to play their favorite songs and share music. Even the jazz teacher joined us!
Thien Pham, Class of 2026
I'm from: Danang, Vietnam
Areas of Study: Communication Studies major with a minor in Film (Honors Tutorial College)
Favorite OHIO Moment: Being a part of Honors Tutorial College, I have the chance to study in one-on-one tutorials with renowned faculty, which has helped me to pursue my interests intensively. Different on-campus involvements also make me feel very welcome at OU.
Ayesha Akbar, Class of 2028
I'm from: Fatehpur, Layyah, Pakistan
Major: Computer Science
Favorite OHIO Moment: I remember when I first set foot on OU ground, I didn't know anyone beforehand. It was my first time in America, and it was an entirely new culture for me. But the student body was very welcoming, and I quickly made friends during orientation week. My advice is to take full advantage of events at orientation and other social events so that you can meet new people and make friends. I picked OHIO because it felt like the right amount of people - like it wouldn’t be too small or too big. The faculty here are really accessible. You can talk to them, ask questions, and see people pursue projects further. And the campus vibe feels good. It’s a lively place but not overwhelming. It’s just somewhere I feel comfortable and could grow academically and personally. Not just go to class and pass tests and just be another person but actually build my own path!
Ana Estefania Carpizo Mendiola, Class of 2028
I'm from: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
Major: Music Production
Favorite OHIO Moment: It has been so exciting to grow my skills and knowledge in the music industry, learning so much from my partners and professors! Ohio University has great diversity in academic programs, and it has a very specific program in which I fit perfectly, and a very important factor is, that the university is very interested in giving the opportunity to international students to complete their professional studies.
Deborah James, Class of 2028
I'm from: Welwyn Garden City, England
Major: Biological Sciences Wildlife and Conservation
Favorite OHIO Moment: I really enjoy traveling for away games with the field hockey team and attending all the fun events that are provided. OHIO has allowed me the most amazing opportunities to be able to get a good education and play a high-level sport. Its facilities are nothing like anything we have in England so who would not want to pounce on that!
Siddharth Malviya, Class of 2027
I'm from: Bhilai, India
Major: Biological Sciences
Favorite OHIO Moment: I loved making new friends on campus by using my extroverted nature, joining multiple clubs, and creating lifelong memories. One of my favorite moments was winning our first rugby game during my sophomore year — the joy and excitement I felt that day will always stay with me.
Luisa Franca Magalhaes, Class of 2029
I'm from: São Paulo, Brazil
Areas of Study: Film with a minor in Sociology (Honors Tutorial College)
Favorite OHIO Moment: I love going to all the games! The energy of the crowd, the band playing, and everyone cheering together is just unforgettable. It’s one of those moments when you really feel the Bobcat spirit come alive. Since my very first day here, the whole community has been so warm and welcoming, which made me want to get even more involved and join as many clubs and activities as I could. The professors are always so kind and ready to help, creating an environment where you truly feel supported. And the town itself feels like it’s frozen in time - cozy, peaceful, and full of charm. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this place!
Nguyen Mai Nhien Le, Class of 2029
I'm from: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Major: Business Administration with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship (Honors Tutorial College)
Favorite OHIO Moment: Hanging out with professors — and having them reply to my email just three minutes after sending it. What!?