Omar Ali, BK '26, Pakistan
Hellowee and welcome to Yale! I’m Omar, a rising senior in Berkeley from Lahore, Pakistan, majoring in Economics and Energy Studies.
When I'm not nerding out about financial markets or Keynesian theories, you'll probably find me binge-watching Netflix in Good Life Center (in broad daylight) or grabbing a coffee and pastry at Atticus. I'm also a self-proclaimed food connoisseur. If you ever need any recs in the area, I've got your back. On campus, I am involved with Tsai CITY, Yale Daily News and the Office of Educational Opportunity. If you ever have questions about these activities, please feel free to reach out. Rest assured, there are so many exciting adventures waiting for you in Elm City, and I am beyond excited to welcome you on campus come fall!
Juliano Dantas Portela, TD '27, Brazil
Hey everyone! I'm Juliano Portela, a rising junior in Timothy Dwight College from Manaus, Brazil, majoring in Computing & Linguistics.
I'm super involved in research at the Linguistics Department, where I’ve been working on some exciting projects! I love learning new languages (so please teach me a few phrases in yours), playing Brazilian music, reading poetry, coding, and traveling.
At Yale, I used to be the president of both the Brazil Club and the Yale Brazilian Music Collective. I was also an OIS counselor in 2024, which was such a fun and meaningful experience that I just had to do it again this year. Additionally, I also work as a Hardware Specialist at the Student Technology Collaborative, so let me know if you need any help with tech!
Yale is truly indescribable—the people you meet, the things you experience, and everything in between make it a place like no other. One of my favorite parts of being here has been getting involved in the international community, and I hope to help spread that beautiful spirit of “internationality” even more across campus this year!
Laura Dragusha, TD '27, Kosovo
Hi, Class of 2029! I am Laura from Prishtinë, Kosovo, a rising junior in Timothy Dwight College, majoring in Neuroscience. I’m especially fascinated by how the human brain works—particularly memory—but I also love exploring subjects outside my major, like French and Global Health. At Yale, I’m the president of the Albanian Student Society, a board member of Friends of MSF, and a photographer for the Schwarzman Center. You’ll also find me working in my lab, drinking coffee all the time, or (probably when I shouldn’t be) binging TV shows.
I can’t wait to meet all of you and am so excited to get to know you over coffee/tea or a meal! In the meantime, feel free to reach out and ask any questions—I’m always just an email or text away :)
Annie Geng, JE '28, China
Hi, Class of 2029!
I am Annie Geng, a rising sophomore at Jonathan Edwards College planning to double major in Economics and History with a certificate in Education Studies. At Yale, I am a teaching assistant for the Chinese Department and a research assistant for the School of Management Behavioral Lab. I am also involved in CUSY (Chinese Undergraduate Students at Yale). In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing badminton, hanging out with my friends, cooking, and exploring restaurants.
As an international student born and raised in Beijing, China, I believe participating in OIS 2024 has been one of the most special and memorable experiences I've had at Yale. I met so many amazing people through this program and some of them became my closest friends. I can't wait to meet everyone and introduce you to our community! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Welcome to Yale!
Yurim Jin, MY '28, South Korea
Hi! I'm Yurim, a rising sophomore at Pauli Murray College studying Neuroscience. I've always been fascinated by the human brain and how neurological mechanisms explain human behaviors. One specific area that I researched during high school was Alzheimer's disease. I still would like to find a cure for Alzheimer's as I continue research after college. I will be working in the LIM lab starting next semester and working as a Korean peer tutor. I also love to read and write, play the piano and violin, walk around, go to cafes, and go shopping with my friends.
Before coming to Yale, I lived in Seoul, South Korea. Yale has been a fascinating place with so many wonderful people with different ideas and talents I learned from. I also had such a great time during OIS as a first-year, and I am willing to guide you throughout the journey.
Looking forward to meeting you guys! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Dut Phillip Jool Joh, TC '28, South Sudan
Congratulations, Class of 2029, and welcome to Yale! I'm Dut Phillip, a rising sophomore at Trumbull College, originally from South Sudan. But for the past decade, I've called the Ayilo I Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda home as a refugee since the outbreak of the civil war in my country.
At Yale, I plan to major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics (EPE), a perfect blend of my interests in governance, economic development, and global affairs.
On campus, I serve as the Russian Civil War Department co-chair at Yale Model United Nations and am an active member of the Running Club, where I enjoy pushing my limits as a cross-country runner.
When I'm not diving into Adam Smith's works or John Maynard Keynes' theories, you'll probably find me reading finance-related books, playing the piano, or watching South Sudanese wrestling reviews (yes, it's a thing, and it's fascinating!).
I'd love to chat with you if you want a conversation on philosophical ideas, global politics, economic policies, or just great book recommendations! I'm so excited to meet you all and be part of this incredible journey together.
Lukass Kellijs, MY '27, Latvia
Hi! My name is Lukass and I am a rising junior from Pauli Murray College (go Murray!). I am originally from Latvia and am majoring in Applied Physics with an interest in computational engineering (as well as so many other things). I love making banana pancakes.
Devika Kothari, ES '27, India
Hey everyone! My name is Devika (she/her), and I was born and raised in Mumbai, India. I’m a rising sophomore in Ezra Stiles College, and I’m planning on majoring in Psychology and English with a possible certificate in Education Studies. I’m also involved with the South Asian Youth Initiative, the Affective Science and Culture Lab, the Record Magazine, and the Red Hot Poker sketch comedy group.
I’m so excited to be a Peer Liaison and OIS Counselor next year, and welcome you to the place that has quickly become my second home. Please feel free to reach out! I’m happy to chat or answer any questions you might have. The international community at Yale has been one of the most welcoming and supportive spaces for me, and I'm really excited to be a part of your journey here! I can’t wait to meet all of you in August :)
Zeyna Malik, JE '27, The United Kingdom
Hi everyone! My name is Zeyna and I’m a rising sophomore in Jonathan Edwards College planning to double major in Economics and Humanities.
I’m from London but am originally Pakistani. At Yale, I’ve spent most of my first year in Directed Studies and would be happy to answer any questions about my DS experience. On campus, I’m involved with YPAK (Yalies for Pakistan) and work as a tour guide at the Yale Center for British Art.
I did OIS last summer and met a bunch of my closest friends at Yale through the program so am super excited to be back this summer as a counselor!
Lucas Ogawa, BF '27, Hong Kong and Japan
Hey everyone!
My name is Lucas Ogawa and I'm a rising junior in Benjamin Franklin College. I was born in Tokyo but mainly grew up in Hong Kong. I am a Economics and Statistics & Data Science major, and also pursuing an Advanced Language Certificate in Japanese.
On campus, I'm involved in Club Soccer, JASU (Japanese American Students Union), HKSA (Hong Kong Students Association) and the ISO (International Students Organization). I am also a Peer Liaison for the AACC (Asian American Cultural Center). In my free time, I also like to play intramural sports, play the guitar, (occasionally) go on runs and hang out in Yale's buttery and common rooms with my friends. I'm always down to chat about anything and I'm really excited to meet everyone soon :)
Alexandra Owusu, BF '27, Ghana
Hello everyone! My name is Alexandra Fosuaa Owusu, and I’m a rising junior in Benjamin Franklin College, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I’m from Techiman, Ghana. I’m really excited to meet you all!
On campus, I work at the Student Technology Center and have held various roles within my residential college. In my first year, I was a member of the Yale Gospel Choir, and I’m currently involved with Christian Union Lux, which has been a great way to connect with other Christians. I also sing in my church’s choir; music is a big part of my life!
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study French abroad, so if you have any questions about study abroad programs, feel free to reach out. I’d love to share my experience!
In my free time, I enjoy watching Korean and Chinese dramas and hanging out with friends.
Looking forward to getting to know everyone!
Xinzhi Qiu, MC '27, Singapore
Welcome to Yale!
My name is Qiu, I am a rising junior at Morse College majoring in MCDB and Econ. I grew up in Singapore.
Starting anew in a new geography is challenging, and I want to help you navigate it. I love meeting new people, so feel free to ask me anything!
On campus, I lead Simplex Sciences (a biotech venture), am a Team Lead with the Yale Urban Philanthropic Fund and is the Finance Director at the Yale Undergraduate Science Olympiad. I also spend time doing research in the Jiangbing Zhou Lab working on Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Outside of school, I love cheering on Chelsea Football Club, though there is not much to cheer about at present.
Alba Quintas Núñez, MY '28, Spain
¡Hola a tod@s! My name is Alba Quintas and I am a freshman from Spain double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science. I moved to New Haven a year ago knowing only a few people from Yale and with a lot of questions about the university, how to open a bank account, which mobile phone company is the best... However, my time in OIS helped me navigate a completely different continent and, most importantly, introduced me to some of my best friends on campus.
At Yale, I am very involved in the Student College Council, where I am part of the first-year representative council. I am also part of the Model UN team at Yale (MUNTY) and I am part of the theatre scene on campus, having acted in and produced two multilingual plays. I am also a member of the Yale Quantum Computing Club and will be organising the Computer Science Career Fair this coming year. In additon, I work as a student tech in the Student Technology Collaborative!
This university can be challenging, but the community and opportunities you will find here will provide you with great stories, funny anecdotes, and truly inspiring friendships.
I can't wait to meet you all this August and share my tips on classes, clubs, life outside the classroom, and campus jobs. Congratulations on coming to Yale! Safe travels from wherever you are and, as we say in my regional language (Galician), biquiños ("warm greetings").
Tiago Rocha Nogueira, ES '27, Brazil
Hey everyone! My name is Tiago, I am a rising sophomore in Ezra Stiles college from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I am super excited to meet you all in August!
I plan on being an Ethics, Politics and Economics major with a certificate in Data Science, but I have always been (and still am) very indecisive about what to study and what I want to do with my life so please don't hesitate to bring me your life dilemmas, and don't feel pressured to have it all figured out!
I generally love philosophizing about how people think and communicate with each other, especially in the context of politics and economics. Outside of class, I am a member of the Yale Brazilian Music Collective, an Usher for the Yale School of Music, and love participating in intramural sports and political party debates!
If you have any questions or queries, no matter how small, I'm always just an email away :)
Sofia Sato, DC '28, Japan
Hi everyone! My name is Sofia (she/her), and I am a rising sophomore ('28) in Davenport College. I was born in Japan but grew up in the UK, Bangladesh, Thailand, Jordan, and Nepal before returning to Japan for high school. I'm planning to major in Psychology on the Neuroscience Track with a possible Global Health Certificate and Spanish Language Certificate.
On campus, I sing in the Yale Glee Club and Proof of the Pudding (Jazz & Swing A Capella); and I'm involved in the Japanese American Student Union, the Brain & Cognition Lab, the American Cancer Society, and the Symposia Yale Undergraduate Research Journal. In my free time, You'll also find me volunteering at Yale New Haven Hospital, going on morning runs or hitting the gym, playing the piano, making calligraphy art, and hanging out with friends!
Please feel free to reach out about any questions - from being pre-med to joining singing groups at Yale or anything at all - I'd love to chat:) Safe travels to New Haven and super excited to meet you soon!
Merat Semma, DC '26, Ethiopia
Hello my internationals, this is Merat Semma (DC '26). I am Studying Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (MB&B) and doing a certificate in Global Health. I am from the vibrant Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On campus and outside of OISS, I serve as a special events coordinator for Yale women's center and Yale Ethiopian and Eritrean Students Association. You can also catch me in the chemistry department working as a lab safety staff, doing research at Yale School of Medicine or volunteering at Yale New Haven Hospital. When I am not sciencing, I am all about cozy movie nights and lighthearted debates with my suitemates. I can’t wait to meet you all and connect over pre-med adventures, cultural exchanges, or a meal and a stroll through New Haven.
Hrishita Shah, SM '28, India
Hey everyone! My name is Hrishita, and I’m a rising sophomore in Yale College, originally from Mumbai, India!
I’m a prospective Economics and Statistics & Data Science major. Outside the classroom, I’m a finance manager on the Yale College Council, a member of the Yale Student Investment Group, a first-year liaison for the Yale Entrepreneurial Society, and the Marketing Director for the Women’s Leadership Initiative. I am also doing some very interesting research on PES schemes in India alongside Yale's Economic Inclusion Centre!
I absolutely love meeting new people—especially fellow international students. In my free time, you can catch me reading a book, singing (sometimes questionably) loud karaoke to pop and Bollywood songs, or hunting down the best ice cream spots with my friends.
I’m so excited to meet all of you this summer! Whether you have questions, need advice, or just want someone to chat with over gelato, I’m always around—don’t hesitate to reach out :)
Lisa Tauch, BF '27, Cambodia
Hey, Class of 2029! First of all, Congratulations, you did it!!! My name is Lisa, and I am from Phnom Penh, Cambodia! I’m a Global Affairs (and Economics) Major. On campus, I'm a research assistant for the Yale Macmillan Center and a Peer Liaison for the OISS!! I'm so excited to return next year as a Peer Liaison and an OIS Counselor for Camp Yale!!
Coming all the way from your home to start college in a new country can be super exciting but also overwhelming at times! I still remember the many emails that started to appear in my inbox once I accepted my offer from Yale. If you ever feel stressed out or starting to find this whole transition overwhelming, please know that you can always send me an email, and I would love to talk it through with you! And, if you ever just wanted to ask questions about Yale, or simply want to know what to pack for New Haven (especially if you're not familiar with the winter here), I would be so happy to answer all of your questions!
We’re so excited to welcome you to Yale and New Haven very soon! I hope you’re getting excited about this amazing college experience! I can’t wait to meet and support all of you as you go through your first year here at Yale! Have a safe flight here, and enjoy the rest of your senior high school year!
Ivy Tica, SY '26, Philippines
Welcome to Yale, Class of 2029! My name is Ivy (she/her), I am a rising senior majoring in sociology and Education Studies Intensive Certificate, and I call the Philippines my home. On campus, though, home is my residential college--Saybrook--and I am involved as a Recruitment Coordinator for the Yale Undergraduate Admissions Office, a volunteer poetry reader for The Yale Review, an Education Studies Program Assistant, a Dwight Hall Urban Fellow interning at a local after-school arts program, and a worship team leader for Yale Students for Christ.
Transitions are always hard, especially when home is thousands of miles away, so feel free to reach out to ask me questions about anything from moving to a cold climate from a warm one, to what it's like being first-generation/low-income on campus, (secret) study spots on campus, and more! I love fun random sidequests, so I'd love to just get to know you, hang out, and do things like create tiered rankings of nostalgic TV shows (Avatar the Last Airbender and most 2000-2015 Disney shows are non-negotiable S-tiers, full stop). I'm excited to meet you and walk with you in the dynamic, chaotic, and surprising journey to come!
