Name: Ayeyi Asamoah-Manu
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Civil Engineering
Country: Ghana (Citizenship); South Africa (Residence)
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I'm such a foodie at heart, so my favorite thing is a trip to downtown Ann Arbor and explore all the restaurants and hidden gems the city has to offer!
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Embrace the power of "yes", and work out the details later! This is not to say planning ahead is not critical (it most definitely is!) but oftentimes, we can let extensive planning get in the way of incredible possibilities! So if there's something you would really like to do, like studying abroad, joining a project team, or attending a conference, start by saying "yes" to the opportunity. You will find a way to make it a reality!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I met Trevor Noah, through the Common Read program here at Michigan! (remember the power of "yes"?)
What are your hobbies? Taking pictures, capturing experiences, creating memories.
Name: Maithili Benerjee
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Business and Computer Science
Country: Bangladesh
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? My favorite thing to do during my free time in Ann Arbor is going to the arb for a nice walk by the Huron River.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I didn't know the second language of USA is Spanish until I first came to USA to start my undergraduate journey at University of Michigan.
What are your hobbies? Hanging out with friends and watching a good movie while having ramen.
Name: Jinshil Choi
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Education (Design and Technologies for Learning Across Culture and Contexts)
Country: Republic of Korea
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love physical activities like riding a bike, running and kayaking from Argo to Gallup! I also like buying candies and gummies at the candy shop in Ann Arbor.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? One thing I really want to highlight is to make as many friends as possible. Good relationships with many friends, faculty members, professors is the best way to get valuable information, and make you feel connected and safe living in a new environment. You can get support from others and vice versa.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? My first name 'Jinshil' means 'Truth' and my nickname is Choitrue. If you remember my first name, you'll already know one korean word for 'truth' lol.
What are your hobbies? Cooking Korean food, watching TV series and drinking Iced Americano.
Name: Haggai Chomba
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Business Administration
Country: Zambia
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Visiting the farmers market on Saturdays and exploring restaurants
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Be open and ask questions every time you need help. The University has a great supportive community and resources.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I enjoy kayaking but I don't know how to swim.
What are your hobbies? Kayaking on the Huron river, watching and playing soccer and hiking (my first trip outside Ann Arbor was hiking in Upper Peninsula)
Name: Yizhuo Li
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Applied Statistics
Country: China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Zumba zumba!
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Explore the new world and attend events.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I have no flexibility!
What are your hobbies? Zumba zumba!
Name: Abhyuday Rastogi
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Country: India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Walk around downtown, go to summer events and try new restaurants
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Get involved with as many student organizations as you can. It’s the best way to meet new people and make friends that share similar interests as you.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I built race cars during my undergrad.
What are your hobbies? I like to cook, play soccer and basketball. I love to travel and hike.
Name: Nishant Shah
Degree Level: Doctoral
Field of Study: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Country: India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Hike at the arb and picnic by the Huron River
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Be open to new opportunities, new friends, new experiences. Ann Arbor is a huge hug only if you spread your arms as well!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I know 6 languages!
What are your hobbies? Cooking, gardening, blogging
Name: Andy Wang
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Electrical Engineering
Country: New Zealand
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Taking a stroll in Downtown – it helps to clear my mind. There’s a lot of cool shops, restaurants, and nature down there.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? You are going to meet a lot of talented and amazing people at U-M, which includes you! But it can be easy to forget how special you are, as we fall into the pitfall of unproductively comparing ourselves to others. You are going to encounter a term called “imposter syndrome”, whether explicitly or implicitly. When you’re envious of that internship, research position, or start-up that someone has obtained or received acclaim for – do remember that we are all on different timelines. You are going to do great things, even if you feel lesser than the people around you. Trust the journey.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I never watched Squid Games.
What are your hobbies? Competitive badminton, retro music, movies, cooking
Name: Meng (Melody) Wang
Degree Level: Doctoral
Field of Study: Higher Education
Country: China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love exploring the nature, like walking in Ann Arbor's city parks.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Take advantage of school resources, attend events and workshops you are interested in where you can get to know and learn from people who come from different backgrounds. Investigate unfamiliar ideas and consider perspectives you may not have thought about before.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I love cilantro a lot and add it to soups and salads.
What are your hobbies? I like jogging during sunset, which I think is the best time of the day.
Name: Michelle Xiao
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Kinesiology
Country: Canada
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love going to concerts at the Hill Auditorium!
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Michigan offers so many resources - be proactive and utilize them. Most importantly, never be afraid to reach out to people (whether that be fellow peers, professors, or alumni), or ask for help - 9.9 times out of 10, people are willing to help, and remember, the worst-case scenario would simply be receiving no as an answer. You got this!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I love to engage in deep conversations at any time of day!
What are your hobbies? Running, writing poetry, learning languages, and getting involved on campus!