Global Learning Ambassador Biographies

Global Learning Ambassador 2023

Greetings, everyone! I'm Sheheryar, a second-year student at Saint Mary's University, currently pursuing a Diploma of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree. While I now call Halifax, Canada, my home, I was born and brought up in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with my heritage deeply rooted in Pakistan. My academic journey began with a diploma in Chemical Engineering in Dubai, and I've transferred those credits over to my current educational pursuit at SMU.

My vision is to create a future where I am committed to devising eco-friendly solutions that can make a positive impact on our planet. It's this passion for environmental sustainability that led me to my current field of study in Chemical Engineering. I'm dedicated to preserving our precious blue planet, ensuring that we can proudly pass on our legacy to the generations that follow.

In my journey, I've discovered the profound beauty of interacting with individuals from various backgrounds, each possessing unique mindsets and teachings. This enlightening experience has opened doors I could have never imagined. Life, I've learned, is a kaleidoscope of possibilities and learning experiences.

Having personally navigated the realm of international education, I believe that the advantages far outweigh any potential challenges. The transition from high school to university can be a daunting one, and I've made it my mission to share the wisdom I've gained along the way. I want to guide and assist others in making this transition as smooth as possible, helping them avoid common pitfalls. That's precisely why I've taken on the role of a GSO Ambassador – to support your journey, and be a resource you can rely on.

Let's embrace the exciting path of higher education, celebrate our differences, and work towards a sustainable future together.

My name is Lori Rodenhiser, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a third-year undergraduate student here at Saint Mary’s University. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology and a minor in biology. I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I enjoy running and hiking outdoors, and finding new places to explore in my province. Throughout my life, I have had opportunities to travel to many different parts of Canada and the United States. I enjoy trying new things and learning more about the world through the people I meet. I am looking forward to learning more about different cultures and helping other students do the same.

Hello everyone, my name is Nahriza Zahid (she/her) and I am thrilled to introduce myself as a GSO Ambassador. With a rich cultural background that includes being born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia, and currently studying in Canada as an international student, I am passionate about encouraging others to explore the world and experience new cultures.

My diverse background has allowed me to experience different customs, languages, and traditions, and has taught me the value of diversity and inclusion. As an international student, I have learned that studying abroad is not just about the academic coursework, but also about immersing oneself in a new culture and making lifelong connections.

I believe that studying abroad is one of the most enriching experiences a student can have, and I am dedicated to helping others take advantage of the global skills opportunities available to them. Whether it's studying abroad, interning in another country, or participating in a cultural exchange program, these experiences can broaden our horizons and prepare us for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself, and I look forward to working with you all as a GSO Ambassador.

Hi there! My name is Esther (she/her) and I am from Sarawak, Malaysia. I am currently a graduate student in the IMTE program in SMU and I worked as an English lecturer in an Australian offshore campus for the past 10 years. My role as an educator allows me to get to know a lot of local and international students, travelling from various places of the world to pursue higher education. Through my job, I witness the importance of intercultural experience and how it enriches a person’s global view and outlook towards life. I understand that stepping out of our comfort zone via education is truly a life changing experience and a precious opportunity. Therefore, I am glad to be a part of GSO to promote this cause together with my fellow comrades.  

Hello everyone, My name is Mubarak Salaam. I am currently a second-year student at Saint Mary’s University. I hail from Nigeria, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University. I consistently try to learn new things, seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth. Outside studies and extracurricular activities, I am an avid football (soccer) fan who likes to watch and play the sport with friends. I also enjoy designing websites since I do not code, I drag and drop and that feels like solving puzzles. I have the drive and passion to achieve great things in the world and I hope to achieve great things during my time at SMU and beyond.

My name is Rita Andraous, and my preferred pronouns are she/her. I am from Lebanon, and I speak Arabic and English. I am an international graduate student at Saint Mary’s University. I taught for 8 years at the Lebanese German School in Lebanon, and I had the opportunity to work with students and teachers from many cultural backgrounds. I like to travel and experience different cultures through purposeful intercultural learning. I can identify with many of the challenges and benefits of studying abroad as an international student, and as a GSO ambassador, I would love to help other students who want to have that experience.

Hi, everyone!

My name is Lydia MacNeil, I’m 26 years old, and my preferred pronouns are she/her. I’m a mature fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student at Saint Mary’s University (SMU), majoring in Sociology and minoring in English. After receiving a certificate in Office Administration and a diploma in Business Administration – Management from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), I decided to return to SMU to finish an undergraduate degree that I started after graduating from high school.

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and believe that International learning opportunities are a great way for students to gain valuable experience and skills that they can apply abroad and at home. After travelling to Arusha, Tanzania with NSCC International in May 2022, I’m excited about the opportunity to work as a Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) Ambassador at SMU and promote the International learning opportunities available to students studying here.

Hello! My name is Alexandra, and I am a fourth year student at SMU majoring in Computing Science & Business Administration. I grew up on the outskirts of Halifax, but have been very fortunate to study abroad twice – once in Austria for 5 months, and once at a summer program in Finland through the SMU GSO program. I credit my international experiences with a lot of personal growth, and always encourage anyone who is interested to take the plunge!

I strongly believe that intercultural experiences are personally enriching for all people. Beyond this, they also improve collaboration between countries through the development of cultural empathy, something that is so important in the modern world. I’m delighted to get to spread the word on the GSO program, a program which helps provide these valuable experiences to those who may not otherwise get to have them. I look forward to continuing to promote international opportunities to those who have historically been underrepresented.

My name is Abdiaziz Aden. I go with the pronouns He/Him. I am a first-year undergraduate student majoring in Computing Science. Although I am originally from Kenya, I am of Somali descent. I am proficient in three languages: Somali, Swahili, and English. My appreciation for cultural diversity is immense, and I find it fascinating to learn about people's varying beliefs and backgrounds. Joining the Global Skills Opportunity community is a great privilege for me as it provides an opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I strongly believe that inclusivity in our community will allow us to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives, ultimately leading to a more profound understanding of the world.

Apart from my academic pursuits, I am an outgoing individual who enjoys engaging in conversations with people. I am always eager to learn new languages, so if you happen to cross my path on-campus, feel free to say hello in your native language. I am confident that our conversations will be both enjoyable and informative. Thank you in advance.

Hello. I am Jacky Chiu from Hong Kong. I speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, and English. I am now doing my MBA at SMU. I am excited to be a GSO ambassador and look forward to providing more global learning opportunities to everyone. I have a Master of Arts degree in Japanese studies, which provides me with tools to understand foreign cultures systematically. I love to meet people around the world and hear their stories. In my leisure time, I am a contact bridge player and a home cook. Please feel free to reach out me if you want to play bridge or try fusion cuisine.

Hello everyone! My name is Anubhav and my pronouns are he/him. I am a third-year student at Saint Mary’s University, double-majoring in Finance and Computing & Information Systems.  I am fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and learning French in school and through Duolingo! 

As an international student from India, I know how exciting it is to move to a different country to broaden your horizons and experience new cultures. Through my role as a GSO Ambassador, I hope to provide support to students in every aspect of their learning journeys. 

In my free time, I enjoy reading high fantasy books, meeting new people, binge-watching TV shows, and playing with dogs.

Hi everyone! My name is Advika Pillai, my pronouns are she/her. I am a second year student pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I was born in India, but grew up in different countries like Germany, Spain, USA and for the most part- Canada. Living in many different places growing up led me to have diverse perspectives on different cultures around the world and I am always interested in getting to know people from various backgrounds. Traveling to various places around the world can give immense perspective and open-mindedness that is a valuable skill to have, which is why I believe the Global Skills Opportunity program at SMU is one to be promoted. I look forward to being part of the GSO team, meeting people from different backgrounds and learning alongside to be a better globally aware citizen. 

Hello! My name is Fatemeh Azizi but everyone calls me Hanieh. I come from Iran and my pronouns are she/ her. I taught English for ten years back in my home country and now I am an international graduate student at SMU studying IMTE. 

Learning about other cultures, especially their languages, has always piqued my attention. In this position, my goal is to help students become more aware of other cultures in their community. I aim to provide them with opportunities to interact with students from all around the world, experience diversity, and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Hello, everyone! Ni hao! My name is Mingyi Wang. I come from China and currently pursuing an MBA degree at Saint Mary's University.

As an international student and passionate traveler, I've been lucky enough to study and travel in 15 countries and regions across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. One of my favorite things about traveling is meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. It's such an enriching experience that broadens my horizons and gives me fresh perspectives.

Helping others is a fundamental part of who I am, and I get a real buzz from assisting people with their needs. That's why I'm super excited to work as a GSO Ambassador, where I can use my skills and passion to make a positive impact on the students at Saint Mary's University.

In addition, I've spent the last decade helping Chinese students study abroad, and I'm eager to use my expertise to support Saint Mary's students who want to explore the world. I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and making new friends along the way!

My name is Michael Vava, and I am proudly Zimbabwean currently in first year my at Saint Mary’s University. I plan on pursuing a major in Business Management and Computing & Information Systems as I have a huge passion for the world of business and how it works. I am very fluent in Shona and English and gradually I have been learning French.

Through my role as a GSO ambassador, I aim to provide students with knowledge and information through my very own experiences as an international student from Zimbabwe. I am passionate about helping people and through my role as a GSO ambassador it allows for me to expand my horizons and at the same time help students who are looking to study abroad.

Hello! You are listening to Mahmudul Hossain Nasim, a visionary problem-solver in the realm of digital learning and entrepreneurship, with a Bachelor in Economics. Now I am treading the path of knowledge and pursuing my second Master's in Applied Economics from the prestigious Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University. 

Born and raised in the heart of riverine Bangladesh, I spent my childhood in a rustic village nestled near “Narasundha”, while my youth thrived in a small town alongside the meandering “Brahmaputra” river. Later, I pursued my bachelor's and master's in another city, this time by the tranquil banks of the “Surma” river. Finally, fate brought me to a stunning campus near the vast Atlantic. My journey from a small village to a bustling metropolis was not a smooth ride, but rather a rugged terrain. Nevertheless, it was a journey that taught me many valuable lessons and made me the person I am today. 

As an education start-up enthusiast, I built "Amaar School," an educational start-up to break down the barriers to education and empower rural students to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Although I am no longer actively involved with “Amaar School”, I remain committed to my mission of promoting education and opportunity for all.  

As a GSO Ambassador, I am dedicated to helping students to unlock their potential through valuable international experiences, such as internships, study abroad programs, and language exchange programs.  

I believe I am a life-long learner with a drive to make a difference in the world. I like travelling, photography, painting, poetry and exploring with a passion for music, culture, new ideas, new people and challenges. With my deep commitment to education, passion for entrepreneurship, and dedication to helping others, I want to become a force for positive change in the world. 

Hello everyone! My name is Mariah Mulla and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am currently a first-year Computing Science Student. I am incredibly excited to be a Global Skills Opportunity Ambassador. Growing up, I was incredibly appreciative of cultures from all around the world and eager to learn about them as much as I could. As a Global Study Abroad Ambassador, I hope to inspire other students to take advantage of the incredible opportunities available to them and to help make their study abroad experiences as smooth and fulfilling as possible. I believe that studying abroad is a transformative experience that can help students grow both personally and academically, and I am passionate about encouraging others to take this life-changing step.

Hey everyone, I am V and this is my second term as a Global Skills Opportunity Ambassador! I am a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Asian Studies. As an international student from Dubai, I am well-aware of the challenges and gains of studying abroad. I’ve also studied at the University of Seoul as an exchange student and know the ins-and-outs of the process firsthand. I’d like to encourage to undertake this exciting and memorable journey during your academic career and hope to support you every step of the way!

Hi everyone! My name is Rahabar Mahmud and I am a fourth year Computing Science student here at Saint Mary's University. Here is one of my favourite quotes from Edward T Hall, "Culture hides more than it reveal." I have been here in Canada for 2 years and slowly integrating myself with the different cultures all around me. I have attained intercultural competence and have made some really nice friends here! But I am still haven't managed to get used to the winters. I had previously worked as a Global Learning Ambassador and now I have joined the GSO team. I am glad to be part of the team! If you ever meet me on campus, feel free to say hi and chat!

Global Learning Ambassador Alumni 2022

My name is Sayeed Maswod. I found my way to Saint Mary’s University from Bangladesh and started my graduate program in Criminology. I did earn LL.B. (Hons)., LL.M. and MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice degrees before. In my long academic journey, I switched my academic endeavours from law to Criminology for exploring multiple academic disciplines. I consider myself a ‘lifelong explorer’. I am eager to build my academic foundations in law, criminology and social justice and simultaneously stay tuned with the international political economy through self-study.

In my journey of exploration, I came across many cultures, their expansions, conflicts, aggressions, dominances, colonializations and other dimensions of culture in political economy. Every time I noticed a tragic crisis at some point in the history, I wondered how that could have been resolved or directed into a different course! The answers are always mesmerizing! In this journey, I had been able to develop a profound sense internationalism that I strongly believed to be one of the dominant approaches to address many global crisis (e.g. environmental degradation, climate change, world peace, poverty eradication, intellectual property, global north and global south conflict and many others) that earth’s residents encounter as one community.

Be it climate change or COVID-19 pandemic or other global crisis, it symbolizes how a geographically localized crisis cannot be prevented by building walls or otherwise. In Carl Sagan’s (1994) words, which I always remind myself, “The Earth is the only world known, so far, to harbor life…. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.” To save our only home from individual level, I consider beginning with the understanding of history and development of multiple cultures across the world.

I, Erandi Gamage, a dynamic and passionate individual with solid professional and academic credentials. I’m a professional from Fashion & apparel Industry, currently working for Victoria’s Secret. I’m seeing myself as a very interactive and colleague, enriched with right communication and leadership skills and a committed team player.

Today, we are exposed to ubiquitous cultures around the world by virtuous of technology and globalization, which is an ample opportunity of learning. The beauty of these omnipresent cultures is that even we all born in unique anatomic structure, we all groomed diverse due to the cultures. Cultures make us distinguished from each other in terms of our attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, knowledge, habits, customs…. etc.

I was fortunate to master this cross-cultural learning due to my profession and studies, which allowed me to travel and explore the globe in different viewpoints and broaden my vision. The most fascinated me is to learn how people from different cultures perceive the same fact and react it in different ways based on their different cultural aspects.

Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and Global Development Studies. 

My pronouns are she/her. I am an avid traveller and have lived in several countries. Once I learn about an individual’s cultural background, it is easier for me to interact with them and maintain a professional understanding. 

My goals are to break gender and cultural stereotypes and achieve recognition through my lived experiences, academic and career achievements on a global level. Stay tuned! https://www.linkedin.com/in/itishruti 

Hi everyone! My name is Zaynah Mohamad. I'm currently enrolled in Political Sciences with a minor in International Development at Saint Mary's University. Being educated on different cultures and backgrounds has always interested me, and has led me to have an appreciation for people's differences. Being the only Muslim and Arab in my high school has greatly impacted what cultural identity means to me!

Double Major in Political Science and International Development Studies with a French Minor.

When it comes to naming myself, I am Natasha Fernandes, a 19-year-old female international student who goes by the pronouns she/her. As an international student (Indian and half Portuguese), I have been exposed to many distinct cultures and languages, although it is tough to live harmoniously with so many cultures clashing together, the feeling of closeness among the people makes up for everything. I love the idea of one day having a world where people from all social classes can live with each other cohesively, no barrels hold.

The world may seem to be a huge place that feels too big to grasp. But when I learn about diverse cultures the world seems smaller and more approachable. I love to educate myself about various cultures and thus become a more sensitive human being. As a Journalist for Saint Mary’s University’s newsletter, I can meet and interact with individuals from various vibrant cultures. The conversations that I have, remind me of how passionate to learn and do more for the community. You can read the articles that I have authored by clicking this link here.

The thirst for knowledge does not end here and I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to be a global ambassador for Global Intercultural Learning. I hope through this experience I grow as an individual and educate my fellow peers about the rewards of studying abroad and the importance of understanding vibrant cultures across the world.

Hello! ابحرم ! नमसे! 안녕하세요! നമ#കാരം! வண#க%! ¡Hola! ملاس

My name is Vivek Philendra, and I am an international undergraduate student planning to major in Psychology and Asian Studies. I am from Dubai and enjoy learning about and interacting with other cultures. I am very excited to be a part of the Global Learning Ambassador program. I believe that travelling widens our perspectives and improves our worldview, while at the same time transforms us into culturally competent global citizens (and it’s also fun). As an international student, I can relate to much of the struggles and merits of studying abroad and would love to support fellow students seeking that experience.

I speak Arabic, English, Hindi, Korean, Malayalam, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu (albeit not all perfectly, and some better than the others). You can reach out to me at Vivek.Philendra@smu.ca or on Instagram @vivek.phil. I look forward to hearing from you, wishing you all the best!

Hello everyone! My name is Danielle Jbeili and my preferred pronouns are she/her. I am going in to my fourth year at Saint Mary’s with a major in international development studies and a minor in political science. I am excited to be a part of the global learning ambassador team because I get the opportunity to expand my knowledge on different places, cultures, and people!

Hi I’m Zahra Nauman (she/her), I am a third year International Development Studies student! What interests me most about getting to know other cultures and people is challenging myself and expanding my understanding of different values, beliefs and distinctive cultural practices. What I find most engaging is the language, folk music and local cuisine specific to a particular cultural community. In the past year, I have discovered my passion for farming, and for my future work I would like to work for an organization which takes steps to control environmental degradation. Highlighting the problems faced by farmers who have small holdings and may be wiped out by the onslaught of big agricultural corporations. Being a Global Learning and Intercultural Support Ambassador has given me the opportunity to be more actively involved in focusing on the deprivations of marginalized cultural communities. I have realized the importance of giving more autonomy and agency to them so that they can flourish in an equitable way.

Hi everyone, my name is Kritika Gurung and I am a third-year student at Saint Mary’s University. I am enrolled in the Faculty of Arts pursuing a double major in Sociology and Anthropology. With a mixed background as an ethnic Nepali and an Indian citizen, I love to experience the diversity and blending of various cultures from food, clothes, language, music, art, religion, spiritualism, to its history and heritage. I look forward to meeting new people because they bring in a new perspective and lessons into my life through which I can grow to become the woman I aspire to be. I identity myself as a cis-gendered brown woman learning her way to acceptance of all with a broad learning vision.

Hi everybody!

My name is Manuela Echeverri, I'm an exchange student from Colombia and I'm currently in my last year of my Bachelor's degree in Education focused on English and Spanish languages. I work as a teacher in my country and I grew up all my life surrounded by educational environments, I really love teaching, it's not my job, it's my hobby and passion.

Languages are the doors of the world, I fully believe that human beings can create different ways of seeing reality based on interactions with other cultures because self-recognition begins when one understands the other, that is where the special thing about interculturality. I'm passionate about discovering my identity every day and traveling to know myself and others and how wonderful society is within the differences that make us special. It would be an honor to help other students to experience personal and professional growth elsewhere.

Global Learning Ambassador Alumni 2021

My name is Tashauna Reid, a ‘bubbly’’, adventurous and dependable individual from Jamaica,who is currently doing a double major in Psychology and Biology as a first year undergraduate atSaint Mary’s University. Having a strong desire to learn more about the human mind andbehaviour led me to a path of curiosity when it comes to learning about different cultures andapproaches to life. I believe that when you have an understanding of other cultures, it allows youto have more meaningful interaction with others. I am super excited to be a part of the GlobalLearning and International Support team in promoting international opportunities and enrichingthe lives of students.

Hello/Kwe’ everyone. My name is Kyle Cook and I use he/him/his pronouns. I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate student studying a Bachelor of Arts in the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies. I grew up in a rural community on the West Coast of Newfoundland called St. George’s – a historical Mi’kmaw community with a rich history of self-revitalization, identity and culture. Growing up being around Mi’kmaw culture has inspired me to actively reconnect and reclaim my roots as an Indigenous person. I enjoy engaging in forms of activism and community organizing efforts, with a specific focus on marginalized populations who identify with my own positionality.

I have an interest in learning how cultural experiences shape our perception of the world around us, along with our individual morals and values. It fascinated me how there could be so many different worldviews that differ from mainstream Western culture and I was keen to continuously learn more as I interacted with many different peoples from various geographic locations. I believe that as we continue to learn more from diverse populations of people, we can develop skills of mindfulness, inclusion and intercultural communication. I look forward to learning and growing with individuals who identify in various other ways than how I identify.

Hello everyone! My name is Yingjun Chen (she/her/elle) and I go by Mabel as well. I am from Guanzhou, China. I speak Cantonese, Mandarin, English and French. I am a fourth-year French major student and I also minor in International Development Studies. I am passionate about languages and the different cultures represented by them. Language translation and literature are also two of my interests, which not only broaden my horizon, but also, I believe, can help minimize misunderstanding and promote effective communication for people who are from different culture backgrounds. I have an open-mind towards all the fabulous cultures in the world and enjoy getting to know many of them through life-long and meaningful learning.

My name is Holly Kanyamunyu and my pronouns are she/her. I am a second year Arts student majoring in Psychology and minoring in General Business. I was born London, England in the UK, but grew up in Halifax and Uganda. I am a Ugandan because that is where both of my parents are from and that will always be my home. I am very interested in cultures being as I grew up in two very different but similar societies and was always exposed to something new.

Hello. This is Sato Omura from Japan. I’m excited to be assigned as a member of the global learning ambassador. I have experience in international learning as an international student where I have had to develop a sense of resourcefulness and resiliency. I believe that my personal experience will also help me support students who travel and study abroad through mentorship, as I am aware of the challenges they might face, and how these challenges lead to personal and professional growth. Since I have received an enormous amount of support to get to where I am today, I would like to support others. Warm regards.

Hello, my name is Amanda Cadeau. My pronouns are she/her. I am a third year Commerce student majoring in Global Business Management and minoring in Intercultural Studies. I was born in Toronto, ON, Canada but have lived in Halifax for several years now. I speak English as my first language, and I am currently learning French. My perspective may be a bit different because I am a non-traditional student with an invisible disability, so I'm always available to share my experience with others. Cultures, individuals, and why people do what they do has always fascinated me. In fact, I originally wanted to be a Psychologist as a child. Saint Mary's has provided me with a comprehensive education that encompasses my personal interests while preparing me to work on a global scale. I love what I do and I'm excited to share intercultural opportunities with my fellow students this semester!

My name is Amit Sharafath Al Rahman, a Master of Technology and Entrepreneurship Innovation (MTEI) student at Saint Mary’s University. I completed my undergraduate degree from Bangladesh and work with small and medium enterprises (SME) for 5 years before taking a leap of faith move in Canada in early 2020. I like experimenting and taking risks, and thus is always shuffling with life and ending up in unplanned places.

I have a keen interest in history from my childhood and learning about other cultures excites me. From my childhood, I was a fan of Greek mythology and Roman empires and watched tons of movies and documentaries regarding their lifestyle. To me, how the Egyptian pyramids were built is still a mystery. Every time I go out on a tour or explore new places, I always try to learn about their norms and values to make sure I do not offend anyone. I love meeting new people and making connections, be it for 1 minute or lifetime.

All in all, I am a big movie fan and my favorite pastime is watching movies on OTT.

Hello and Greetings! My name is Kyle Stymest and I am a 4th Year Student at Saint Mary's University majoring in International Development. I am an outgoing and personable student and enjoy any chance to discuss questions you may have. I studied abroad in Oslo, Norway in my second year of University and my only regret is that I didn't stay longer. I enjoy playing hockey and golf, and also play guitar. I am looking forward to being part of the Global Learning Ambassador Team at SMU this semester.

Hi, my name is Michael and I’m in the Intercultural Studies program at SMU. I’ve always been interested in learning about other people’s cultures just because it’s all interesting and makes it easier to get to know people! I specifically enjoy learning languages, which really helps with understanding cultures themselves! I’ve studied Japanese for around 5 years and I’m working on learning German at SMU now.

My name is Xueying Zhang, I am majoring in accounting and I am planning to graduate this May. In the first two years of my university career, I was studying at Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai campus, where there are a lot of students from different countries, and some from Saint Mary's University. I learned that SMU is a really diversified and globalized University, so I came here, and I am really excited to be studying and working with people from different cultures!

I learned a lot from the Saint Mary’s University Inclusive Language Statement, there are some parts of the statement such as respectful communication, nationality, race, ethnicity, age, gender-neutral and gender-sensitive language and preferred name that I already knew before I read it. But when it comes to disabilities and Indigenous peoples, I was not sure how to use the specific words. This statement is really helpful for that. I think anyone learning about diversity and inclusion should read the statement to learn more. We shouldn't think of people as their differences; we shouldn't define people with assumptions. We should focus more on the person and our similarities.

My name is Minh Anh Ngo and I go by Mia (she/her). I am from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. My mother tongue is Vietnamese and I am fluent in English. I am currently in my final year of Bachelor of Commerce program at Saint Mary’s University. For me, international and cross-cultural study plays a crucial role, especially with the existence of the globalization phenomenon as it connects people, minds and ideas beyond the frontiers, bringing people closer to each other. As an international student, I am passionate about learning and discovering other cultures, meeting new people from different backgrounds, promoting the inclusion and diversity in the community and helping other international students adapt to the new life in the new country.

Hello, my name is Manan Malhotra and I use he/him/his pronouns. I am a 4th year student at Saint Mary’s University majoring in Computer Information Systems. I was born and raised in Chandigarh, India.

India, being a very diverse nation with almost 19,500 mother tongues spoken which encouraged me to develop an interest in learning other cultures as it keeps me rooted to my own culture but at the same time, it provides me a bigger picture of the diversity of what the Canadian culture offers. I look forward to learning and growing with individuals that are from different backgrounds and cultures.

My name is Makayla Cole, I am a fourth year Bachelor of Arts Student at Saint Mary’s double-majoring in Geography and History. I will be pursuing my Honours Thesis in geography next year focused on young female perspectives on travel and migration in The Gambia. I am fortunate to have had many opportunities to travel throughout my undergraduate degree which have opened my eyes to a world of new ideas, new perspectives, and meaningful connections. Over the past year I spent most of my time living in Europe. I spent the first five months in Scotland through a SMU exchange at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). I spent the last three months of 2020 living in Portugal, and I am currently living and studying remotely in Mexico. I thrive on changing environments, and I love getting to know other people and cultures because these experiences challenge my behaviors and values and open my mind to new ways of looking at the world.

Hello everyone, I am Mayank, an MBA Graduate student at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. I am from New Delhi, India. I love to explore new cities and try different cuisines. I feel that one can learn a lot about a country’s culture by trying the food and participating in the local festivities. I also love to learn about the history and traditions of different regions and try to engage in dialogue with as many people as I can.

Current Degree: BA of International Development & Economics
Future Specialization: Immigration Consultancy & Law

Goals: Peruse Immigration and Citizenship Law program from Queen’s University. Improve lives of immigrants, empower women, and work in Immigration Canada.

Passions: travelling, languages, intercultural conversations, economic/ social development, & education.

My goal through this job, is to help students gain more intercultural awareness in their community. To help them immerse in diversity, opportunity, and life changing memories with others students from all around the world. Whether it is on campus, or abroad. Opportunity awaits!

My name is Pearse Sweeney and I am a second-year psychology student at Saint Mary’s University. I am a student with a learning disability, and thoroughly believe that individual differences enhance rather than impede people, and the availability of education can enhance someone’s ability to succeed.

I grew up in a Northern Irish family within Canada. As such, I learned just how powerful ethnic and cultural differences can be. These experiences are important to me because they have provided a window of opportunity for me to understand conflict, resolve, acknowledgment and the importance of identity.

What interests me about other cultures are asking such questions as how is living in a global village influencing cross cultural interactions? How do cultural differences influence the articulation of a global society? Does the formation of a global village equate to having global values?

I am grateful for the opportunity to be an ambassador, and I am looking forward to growing in understanding and effectiveness in creating a global understanding of cultures on our campus.

Hello everyone, I am Shabrina Afroz Mithila a 4th-year student at Saint Mary’s University majoring in Computer Information System. I am very fond of learning about cultural diversity that is why I have always taken part in different cultural events on campus and networked with people from different countries. There are various things which interest me about other cultures such as learning a different language, understanding the cultural differences, knowing about various lifestyle, living standards, and cultural diversity. Previously as a Cultural Assistant and Co-President of Speak Up Society, I have organized cultural events and provided cultural and language support to the students. I always want to contribute to the student community by making an impact on their life. I want to create a friendly atmosphere by building strong connections between the students and help them feel a sense of belonging. Through my contributions, I hope to create a fun university life for the students and build a friendly community where people can easily cooperate. This contribution is important because it will help to bridge the gap between Canadian and International students and make them feel more connected.

My name is Jesse Kamau Mugambi, but people call me Jesse, I am currently a second year Bachelor of Commerce student aiming to major in Computing and Information Systems. My interest with culture stems from my general curiosity for things I’ve never experienced, more so traditions and ways of life, since these allow me to connect better with people and expand my ability to integrate with said cultures if given the chance.

Hey everyone! This is Zeba here, a 3rd year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Computing and Information systems.

I was brought up in the UAE on the streets of Dubai by lovely South Indian parents where I spent most of my days at school perfecting the six Indian regional languages I speak, and my evenings being confused on deciding what to eat, Shawarma or Masala Dosa! (Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine)

After almost 20 years of this struggle, I landed in Canada as the Global Learning Ambassador to learn more about other countries, their culture, and their cuisine! And to tell you which country suits you best to awaken your inner rover.

Hello, my name is Darcy Brownlow (He/Him), and I am in my fourth year majoring in Anthropology at Saint Mary’s. I am most interested in learning about the basic similarities shared between cultures that may seem radically different at first glance. Throughout the classes I have taken, it seems this approach works well in creating connections and friendships between different cultures and people.

Hello, I am Gulbin Sila Gundem. I am a first-year Bachelor of Science student who is majoring in Biology at Saint Mary’s University. I am an international student from Turkey. I have graduated from Horton High School in Nova Scotia. I am passionate about learning diverse cultures and be engaged with people from diverse backgrounds. I have been in many countries throughout my life like Switzerland, England and Spain for education and various reasons. Hence, I believe that seeing world from different perspectives and experiencing new cultures has a significant impact on my life. When I learn more about cultures, I am being more and more appreciated for our diversity. Culture is everywhere that we look, touch, hear and involve and this has always impressed me. I am looking forward to learning more about cultural values and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.

Name: Yankun

Pronoun: She & her/ they & them

Major: Master of Arts in International Development Studies

I believe that the diversity of cultures contributes to the beauty of the current global society, but also leads to misunderstandings sometimes. What attracts me about different cultures is that they represent a mosaic in terms of ways of living and understanding the world. They are more than different foods and clothing, but are also various ways of thinking, offering unique ideas and perspectives that enhance the beauty of the world. Therefore, learning about different culture provides a path of learning different ways of seeing the world, which can help to build understanding and shared experiences while breaking down barriers that divide us.

I am from China and I am really proud of my background and my cultures. However, at the same time, I am also very interested in learning about other cultures. My biggest interests are watching films and debating. I found that watching films is a really good way of learning different cultures. I am also an active member of the debate society as I found that debate is really an eye-opening activity which is not only an opportunity to explore other people’s opinions and thoughts, but also helps me understand my boundaries.

Hi everyone! My name is Marina Barros. I am a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Economics and International Development Studies with a minor in Political Science. I grew up in a small city just outside of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Portuguese is my first language, I speak English fluently, and I am currently learning Spanish. I have always had a great interest in learning about other cultures, especially their languages. It makes me feel more connected to everyone and everything around me. Getting to know new cultures makes me open up to new ways of looking at the world.

Hello everyone! My name is Md Masrooq Hossain, and I am a 2nd year undergraduate student enrolled in a Computing Science and Business Administration program. My birthplace is the busy and vibrant city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. I speak two languages- Bengali and English, and love to read and write about contentious issues around the globe.

My passion to contribute to global learning derives from the various challenges I faced when I first moved to Canada as an International student. I believe in having a wholistic vision on education; that is only complete with a global and multicultural experience. In this dynamic, globalized world we live in today, understanding and appreciating different cultures is the key to eradicate conflict and moving forward together.

It has always intrigued me how despite all our cultural differences that give us distinctive viewpoints of the world, we still come together and build relationships and these relationships act as a foundation in shaping the world of tomorrow.

My name is Margaret Tariro Munemwa; you can call me Tariey (She/Her/Hers). I am originally from Zimbabwe. I am studying Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I love travelling, photography and a lot of charity work maybe that is more of the reason I enjoy different cultures. Through my travels, I have learnt to appreciate life and meeting people from different places and cultures has shown me that the world view is not the same. I am interested in other cultures regarding social / cultural and dietary habits, which provide important insight into, for example, regional disease patterns etc. The world is now, more than ever, a global village and is a summation of various cultural habit to be found the world over. I do have a weakness for good food and really look forward to new dietary habits. Overall, I relish the opportunities and challenges associated with studying abroad. I love how the world has made it easy to experience all these different cultures, even in one place.

Hello, my name is Giselle Love. I am from The Bahamas and my pronouns are she/her. Currently I am an international student at SMU as a psychology major in the science faculty. I am an executive member of the SMU cheerleading team which has allowed me to meet new people from around the world. My interest in other cultures has stemmed from many reasons. Generally, my interests are in learning more about the way other cultures mix with others. It is also exciting to get a look at others views and lifestyles in various countries, other than my own. Additionally, I am interested in traditions and festivities which are different throughout every country. I look forward to getting to know other people from other cultures.