On-campus job opportunities are a great way for students to build leadership and public speaking skills and there is no better way to impact the TU community directly than to serve as a student ambassador. 

Through the Global Ambassador Program (GAP), international students are sustaining cultural exchange and building community as they mentor the newest Tigers on campus, one of many programs at Towson University designed to enhance students’ academic and co-curricular success.

As part of the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO), student ambassadors in the GAP help incoming international students navigate the transition to life in the U.S.  

"I never could have prepared myself for how rewarding it would be to work with TU students who genuinely want to help their international peers reach their fullest potential. These are our future leaders," says Shannon Sterner, cultural and educational program coordinator for the ISSO.

Meet this year's Global Ambassadors who are building community and supporting the academic, personal and cultural well-being of fellow international students. 

Osazee Eguagie

Osazee points to his home of Lagos, Nigeria on a world map in the Liberal Arts Building
Osazee is originally from Lagos, Nigeria but came to TU after earning his bachelor's degree in Hungary

After living and studying in Budapest, Hungary, for more than seven years, Lagos, Nigeria native Osazee Eguagie decided to pursue his master's degree at TU.

A first-year graduate student in the Applied Information Technology Program, Eguagie was inspired to join the GAP by ISSO Director Gail Gibbs and the global ambassador who welcomed him upon his arrival to TU.

A kind lift home from his ambassador one day demonstrated the extra step the TU international community takes to support others—one Eguagie wanted to pay forward.

Eguagie is looking forward to stepping out of his comfort zone this year and helping his peers connect with communities and resources across campus.

I'm looking forward to all of the fun events we'll host for international students this year. I'm really hoping to create a sense of home away from home for them.

Osazee Eguagie

Sofiia Hohun

Sofiia holds up a peace sign while standing in front of one of the world maps located in the Liberal Arts Building

Originally from Ukraine, Sofiia Hohun has lived and attended school in Canada and the U.S.

Similar to Eguagie, Hohun credits the encouragement of her friend—and former global ambassador—Eliza Petrova for her pathway to joining the GAP.

As Petrova demonstrated to her, Hohun not only wants to support incoming international students' early transition to TU, but also wants to be part of their newfound community in the U.S. in the long term. 

Now on her journey to earn her nursing degree, Hohun is looking forward to applying the skills she gains as an ambassador to other areas of her academic and professional life. "In this kind of role, you do a lot of speaking and engaging with others," she says. "Serving as an ambassador will be a great boost for my public speaking skills."

I want students to know we're here to guide them through this transition," Hohun says. "I really want to make those connections, get them to come to events and genuinely feel interested.

Sofiia Hohun

King Ademola

King gestures to his home city of Lagos, Nigeria on a world map in the Liberal Arts Building

King Ademola moved to Maryland from his home city of Lagos, Nigeria.

In search of on-campus job opportunities to enrich his academic path and connect with community at TU, Ademola used the Career Center's primary job search tool, Handshake.

Looking ahead to the arrival of incoming Tigers this summer, Ademola is excited to support those who may be a little unsure or nervous about this new beginning - much like he was. 

The U.S. is so different from my home country, and when I first arrived it was a bit of a shock. I know what it's like to be a bit quiet when I'm in a new environment, and I want to help other international students feel comfortable.

King Ademola

Anh Quynh Nguyen (Sandy) Do

Sandy smiles, hands clasped in front of one of the several world maps in the Liberal Arts Building

Originally from Vietnam, Sandy Do moved to the U.S. to pursue her bachelor's degree in nursing at TU.

In her first year as a global ambassador, Do views her role as a crucial one.

Beyond supporting students during their first few weeks on campus, she is most passionate about promoting inclusive communication styles to ensure her peers feel respected and able to engage with fellow Tigers.

 

"As an ambassador, my goal is to make students feel welcome. Everyone has different cultural customs depending on where they're from. I want to be able to talk to them in an inclusive way."

Anh Quynh Nguyen (Sandy) Do

Upcoming international student programs

International Tigers Get Hired! 

This workshop series is hosted collaboratively by the Career Center and the ISSO to help international students explore job and internship opportunities in the U.S., learn how to apply, and find where to search for them.

Arrive and Thrive

Arrive and Thrive is a dedicated support group for international and immigrant students at Towson University that provides a safe and welcoming space for students to share their unique experiences and challenges while connecting them with resources from TU’ Counseling Center. It fosters connection with other students and creates a sense of community and belonging that promotes peer support.