International Program Ambassadors

International Ambassador

Boaz Muteba

Hometown: Lubumbashi

Home Country: Democratic Republic of Congo

Major: Nursing

Language Spoken: English, French, Swahili, Lingala

Why A-State: My priority was to find a university that had a program for English as a second language. After a long search, I found Astate, which met all the criteria: a small town, a university that is not expensive, and a safe city. Additionally, for my major in nursing, Arkansas State University offers numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal development, making it an ideal choice for international students.

Why I Am Pursuing My Current Degree: I have always wanted to be a teacher; it's a desire that will never fade. However, I also realized that being a nurse is like being a teacher because we are all involved in humanitarian aid. Additionally, the field of nursing offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on people's lives while combining technical skills with deep compassion. This allows me to contribute positively to society while fulfilling my dream of helping others.

Favorite things to do on Campus: Playing soccer.

Why I Am An International Ambassador: The main desire that drove me to become an international student ambassador is to be a bridge between the university and the students, facilitating their integration and reaching out to those who need the most support.

International Ambassador

Braydon Wilson

Hometown: Cape Town

Home Country: South Africa

Major: Psychology

Language Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Why A-State: I chose A-State because I liked the look of the school. I had talked with a few of the guys on the rugby team and had spoken with the rugby coach and heard nothing but good things about Arkansas state. I am happy to say that I made the right decision in choosing A-state. The rugby program at Arkansas state is a top 10 D1A program which made the decision easier. The people at Arkansas State are very friendly and I enjoy the natural beauty that the state has to offer.

Why I Am Pursuing My Current Degree: I find the study of the mind and behavior interesting, and I enjoy sports. I found the school of Sports Psychology very interesting and would like to pursue a career in Exercise and Sports Psychology. The idea of helping athletes and people deal with sports related injuries and mental battles interests me, because I experience mental battles when it comes to sports or setbacks.

Favorite things to do on Campus: I enjoy working out at the Red Wolf Center. Going to Chic-Fil-A or Freshens to get some good food is definitely one of my favorite things to do. Football games and volleyball games are always interesting to watch.

Why I Am An International Ambassador: I enjoy meeting new people and helping new students. The international programs office is a good place to make new friends and meet new people. It is also good place to make new connections.

International Ambassador

Jovia Bulyaba

Hometown: Mukono

Home Country: Uganda

Major: Information Systems and business Analysis

Language Spoken: Luganda, English, Rutooro and Swahili

Why A-State: I did extensive research and found A -state is a vibrant academic institution placing emphasis on the provision of high quality education. It also has flexible study options that lets students choose how and when to learn. The university also has a strong support system for international students that provides students with opportunities and great experiences which will have a great impact on my career path.

Why I Am Pursuing My Current Degree: I chose information system and business analysis as it's a diverse course with both the business and technology aspects. I am interested in developing knowledge of business operations, gaining the ability to think critically and solve problems in innovative ways as well as gaining facilitation skills in this field which I will adapt and transfer to my career.

Favorite things to do on Campus: A-State organizes many on campus events every week that involve games, global culture shows, in which I never miss. I also enjoy going to the Red Wolf Center to utilize the gym and yoga classes . I never thought that life at university could be this fun!

Why I Am an International Ambassador: Studying abroad is a big step for many international students and I know how it feels to leave your family and move to a new country. Having to face almost everything like new food, weather ,culture can be overwhelming. I feel the need to meet, help and interact with international students in order to help them to get accustomed to a new lifestyle. The university is a great place to meet new people and being an international ambassador, I get an opportunity to meet students across the globe which contribute to my social circle.

International Ambassador

Mauricio Headshot.jpg

Mauricio Bautista

Hometown: Xalapa

Home Country: Mexico

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Language Spoken: English, Spanish, and Italian

Why A-State: I chose A-State due to its great engineering program and the different opportunities that the school offers. It has allowed me to develop in various fields that could help me later on.

Why I Am Pursuing My Current Degree: I have always been a curious person that tries to understand how things work. I thought that studying mechanical engineering would allow me to do this in a more professional way.

Favorite things to do on Campus: I enjoy going to the Red Wolf Center to lift weights and play basketball. I also like to hang out with my friends at the cafeteria.

Why I Am An International Ambassador: I became an ambassador because I like to help and talk to people. I find it fun to get to know new people and learn about their culture from back home.

International Ambassador

Oshin Thapa

Hometown: Butwal

Home Country: Nepal

Major: Biological Science Pre-Professional

Language Spoken: Nepali, Hindi, English (working on Spanish)

Why A-State: I have always wanted to experience abroad studying and explore my myself. Even though it sounds fancy; when it comes to real situations things are different. Arkansas State university is one of the top 20 affordable universities in the USA for international students with safe surroundings not to mention with top notch teaching- learning experience. While I was applying for colleges and doing my homework on it and A-state immediately caught my eye and deep down I knew this is where I wanted to go. And after being here for more than a year now, I was 1000% correct about it!

Why I Am Pursuing My Current Degree: I aspire to become a surgeon someday in 13-15 years. The magic of science to altar and change the life amazes me every time. The happiness and relief one gets after getting their problem fixed, knowing they get to live tomorrow is beyond explanation. I want to give this happiness to others and help them live a happy, healthy, and impactful life. I am currently a Junior and enjoying, learning, growing every day and embracing to my fullest. Life is very unpredictable; my life goal is to advocate for a healthy lifestyle and help people fix their health problem if they have any. It will always be a wonderful day to save lives.

Favorite things to do on Campus: I have so many things that I love to do but first to begin with I love Bean Bags and love to lay there after a hectic day. Anywhere outdoor bench around the campus on good sunny day is my favorite. Me and my friends always hangout in Global Hub in IP, it is one of the quiet spaces to study (don’t spread this it’s a secret). College Pavilion is my therapy where I love to take my snacks and study. It’s so refreshing and relaxing!

Why I Am An International Ambassador: As an international student myself, I still recall how hard it was for me to start new; trying to adjust with so many insecurities and cultural differences. I was lucky enough to have my friend whom I call my family now also along with how much my orientation leader was there for me to help get ready for school. I wanted to be that go to person for coming new student and try to be there for them in any way I can be. Also getting an opportunity to work with this fabulous team to do better is so inspiring and will help me grow more professionally, teach me life lessons and overall become a good human being.

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International Program Ambassadors

Boaz Muteba

Braydon Wilson

Jovia Bulyaba

Mauricio Bautista

Oshin Thapa