We are here: UW-Madison from an International Student Perspective
Day 2: November 15, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Northwoods
Session Video
Session Description
This session will be a fishbowl style conversation featuring a group of international student leaders having a discussion around the question: “What do you wish people knew about what it’s like to be an international student at UW-Madison?” Students will have an uninterrupted discussion while the audience listens and observes. By giving students a prompt and allowing them to take the conversation where it naturally leads, we think that participants will get an honest, candid view of common issues and experiences, as well as differences in experiences within our incredibly diverse and intersectional international student population. The discussion will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to reflect and ask questions of the students and for the student participants to respond in a “challenge by choice” approach. We hope that this cross-cultural dialogue will leave the audience feeling energized and empowered to advocate for and support international students on campus.
Speakers
Subodh Subedi
Subodh Subedi is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Subodh feels extremely fortunate to his life experiences of having lived in different communities and embraced multiple cultures. After moving to the US, he has been actively engaged with international students, working as a member of RSOs, a peer mentor, advisor to the Dean, and recently as a member of the International Student Advisory Board at UW-Madison. His personal experiences and extensive network have helped him be a vocal advocate for international students. He regularly participates in discussions forums to raise issues and challenges faced by international students. He is passionate about promoting cross-cultural understanding and creating an inclusive and supportive academic community at UW-Madison.
Dorcas Donkoh
Dorcas is an international student from the Central Region of Ghana. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Cape Coast with a major in Human Resource Management and minors in Economics and Law. Currently, she is a first year Master of Public Affairs student at the La Follette School with interests in Foreign and Economic Policy and looks forward to a fulfilling career in public service. She is also works as a Peer Advisor at the International Student Services and enjoys advocating for an inclusive and welcoming community for international students. She speaks Fantse, Twi and English and loves Asian cuisine.
Rayane Prado Nunes
Rayane (Hi-ah-ne) is a third-year international student from Brazil, double majoring in Psychology and Dance with a Certificate in Latine Studies. She is a First Wave Scholar, a Peer Advisor for the Residence Halls, a House Fellow, SAFEwalker, and served on the Latinx Heritage Month Planning Committee last year. She is an International Reach ambassador through ISS as well as a member of the International Student Advisory Board. Rayane is passionate about advocating for international students and making sure their voices are heard. She is also part of the Infant Learning Lab through URS (Undergraduate Research Seminar). After graduation, she plans on going to graduate School and pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Alan Mashen
Alan is a second-year student at UW, studying Finance, Investment, and Banking. He comes from Almaty- Kazakhstan’s largest city. Alan is involved in several organizations that enrich his life professionally and socially, including the professional business fraternity called Delta Sigma Pi, where he held several leadership positions organizing events in collaboration with Goldman Sachs, KPMG, and Wisconsin Badgers. In the Business School he is also involved in Wisconsin Consulting Club and is proud to be a International Reach Ambassador through ISS to represent his home country to the Madison community. He currently has two jobs: as a tutor for Russian Flagship Program and a SOAR Intern at the Center for the First Year Experience. He looks forward to his academic journey for the next two years, and after graduation, hopes to pursue a career in the public sector or international organizations.