International Student Leadership Team
What is ISLT?
The International Student Leadership Team works with ISSS and other departments to develop and promote events and programs for international and domestic students. With a variety of cultural, academic and social events, ISLT provides an environment to build a sense of belonging at UK. Get involved on campus by attending an ISLT event or contacting someone on our team. For more information, please email Seth Hall (seth.hall2@uky.edu).
Pedro Fonseca
Email: pfo226@g.uky.edu
Home Country: Brazil
Major: Journalism and History
Graduation Date: Spring 2022
Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish
What I love about UK: I love the amount of opportunity available at UK. There is things on campus for every student to be involved, regardless of major or interests. This makes it really easy for anyone to fit in as they want to.
New Student Tip: Don't be afraid of the new world you're facing. Coming to college can be scary, but it is definitely better if you come with an open mind and willing to take any challenges head on.
Lydia Mawi
Email: lma297@uky.edu
Home Country: USA
Major: Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles
Graduation Date: Fall 2020
Languages: Burmese, English
What I love about UK: All of the activities and organizations on campus.
New Student Tip: Don't be afraid to try new things. Look for an organization or a club that you are interested in and get yourself involved because that is one of the quickest ways to make friends. Remember that everyone is new at some point.
Aaron Mathias
Email: aaronmathias@uky.edu
Home Country: Bahrain
Major: Computer Science
Graduation Date: May 2020
Languages: English, Hindi
What I love about UK: Everyone on campus is very accepting and is willing to have a conversation.
New Student Tip: Rather than making assumptions, try out all that you can and see what fits you.
Ngoc Phan
Email: ngoc.phan@uky.edu
Home Country: Vietnam
Major: Computer Engineering
Graduation Date: May 2021
Languages: English, Vietnamese
What I love about UK: The diversity and opportunities it offers. I have friends from all over the world who make me feel like I'm learning something new about cultures, food, and people every time we talk.
New Student Tip: Don't be afraid to put yourself out to the world. Step out of your comfort zone and make friends. College is tough and GPA is important, but don't let those be your excuses to not have fun because beautiful memories with your friends are what you will miss the most when you graduate.
Christine Li
Email: zli293@g.uky.edu
Home Country: China
Major: Dietetics
Graduation Date: Spring 2021
Languages: Chinese and English
What I love about UK: UK school environment.
New Student Tip: Be prepared, be independent and don't hesitate to ask for help. Also stay positive and active.
Jackson Bei
Email: jiaxun.bei@uky.edu
Home Country: China
Major: Dietetics
Graduation Date: May 2021
Languages: English, Chinese
What I love about UK: Basketball!
New Student Tip: Enjoy the social life and academic life, be open-mined to other students, enjoy the diversity campus, learn local culture, have one positive mind every single day.
Charis Ebikwo
Email: charisse2018@gmail.com
Home Country: Nigeria
Major: Psychology and Neuroscience
Graduation Date: Spring 2022
Languages: English
What I love about UK: The school Spirit that everyone has for UK, and the pride the students take in being a Wildcat.
New Student Tip: For incoming Freshmen: College life and specifically the academics is definitely very hard. However, like my family has always reminded me, people who excel and successful don't have two brains. They have one, just like you. So, if they can do it, you can do it too. It might be a lot harder and take a lot more work and effort from you, but in the end your success will make that effort worthwhile. So when you're coming into college, don't be intimidated and don't doubt yourself; reach.
Phoebe Munger
Email: pmmu224@uky.edu
Home Country: USA
Major: Business Management and International Business Minor
Graduation Date: Spring 2021
Languages: Japanese and English
What I love about UK: There are so many different events and organizations on campus. College is a place to learn and grow as an individual.
New Student Tip: My advice is to be active on campus. Feel free to visit different organizations on campus and find out what suits your personality. Don't be afraid to talk to someone new.