Meet our Orientation Leaders

Center for International Programs takes pride in our International Student Orientation Leaders and all they do to make the transition of coming to USI a welcoming and memorable experience.

Our leaders work one-on-one with incoming international students. Their responsibilities include greeting new students, helping organize fun activities, and ensuring new students feel welcome at the University of Southern Indiana.

Orientation Leaders are more than mentors. Our Orientation Leaders are the face of the University of Southern Indiana and are engaged members of the USI campus community and the Center for International Programs. Their own experiences arriving to the United States as international students allow them to deeply empathize with incoming students to serve as mentors during their studies at USI.


	Belicia Knoetze, South Africa Biochemistry Major "I am an international student from South Africa, I came to the US at the beginning of 2024 and before that I was travelling Europe. I absolutely love meeting new people from all different origins and embracing their cultures whilst also sharing my own. Upon coming to USI, the international orientation assistants made me feel right at home and did everything in their power to make this big transition as smooth as possible. Consequently I gained some great friends. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be that same support for incoming international students and am very excited to be apart of this big adventure incoming international students are embarking on as I was once in their shoes!"

	Lendy Dominguez, Panama Biochemistry Major "I’m an International student from Penonome, a city in Panama. I’m the President of PANAS club at USI for the period 2024-2025. Some things I like to do are sports and music, specifically soccer and swimming. I’m also a fan of hiking and the fitness life. Being part of the international orientation team is very exciting because I have always liked to provide support to others, and I can help new students adapt and in the same way learn a little about international culture. I’m happy to share with others international students at USI."
	Fernando Jaén, Panama Biology Major I decided to become an International Orientation Student Assistant because I recognize the importance of having someone to help and guide new international students in their transition to USI. When I came here, everything was very intimidating because the whole experience of leaving my country was new for me. Thankfully, I had the support of other students who helped me to face that new stage of my life and become a confident student, with all the resources I need to succeed. Now, I want to be that student who helps others. I'm very excited to have this new experience in which I'm willing to give my best, but also to enrich myself with the learning and experience of helping others.-

	Linh Nguyen, Vietnam Business Administration Major I became an International Orientation Leader because I love meeting new people and learning everyone’s stories. This position allows me to meet students from all over the world with various backgrounds and diverse stories that I’m so excited to learn about. I also love helping students feel more comfortable in their new environment. I immigrated to the United States in third grade, and my peers really helped me feel a sense of belonging and feel more comfortable in my new home. I want to support new international students in a similar way and am really excited to meet everyone in this program and learn more about their stories!
	Yaw Bredwa-Mensah, Ghana MBA-Data Analytics Major “I am currently pursing my MBA in Data Analytics from USI. I spend most of my leisure time interacting with people from different cultural background as I love to learn new things from them. My hobbies include football as I support the best two teams in the world Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Manchester United, watching historic documentaries and listening to afrobeat music. The reason for applying to this role is to help out international students who are coming to the States for the first time. Thus, as an international student, adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming and I will like to offer my experiences to ensure that the transition process for incoming international students is smooth and fun."
	Miyu Sugiyama, Japan Communication and Media Studies Major “My experience as an orientation assistant was unforgettable. I was very happy to meet new international students and to support them with the campus life or lifestyle here. I was nervous before I did this role, but thanks to other leaders and CIP members, I followed through and had good relationships with new students. It was a precious and I really loved that time. I'm originally from Japan. Also, I'm a teacher at a Japanese school outside of USI. Fun facts about me are I enjoy baking, watching movies, and traveling. As one of the international students, I know sometimes it's hard to adapt or get used to a new place, so I'm willing to help them and glad to learn about new people and their cultures. I can't wait to meet new international students and how they will impact my campus life!"