Meet the Global Mentor Team
The Global Mentor Team is made up of upper-class student leaders who support first-year international students. Many have lived or studied across cultures themselves and are passionate about creating a welcoming environment for new students from around the world.
You’ll connect with your Global Mentor before arriving on campus and meet them in person during International Student Orientation. Throughout your first year, your mentor will remain a consistent, supportive guide as you navigate life in a new country, culture, and campus.
Afua Asirifi-Bonsu
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Majors: Data Science, Psychology
Involvement: African Students Association, Global Engagement Team, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Assistant, Office of Student Life Tech Team
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? Choco Milo
What helped you feel most at home during your first semester at Augustana? Being with other international students who I could relate with really helped because it emphasized the fact that I’m not completely alone in my experiences.
Soulaima Ben Ismail
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia
Major: Biology with a Pre-Medicine Track
Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Augustana Observer, Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness - Research Assistant, Red Cross Club - Social Chair
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? Spices from back home
What inspired you to become a Global Mentor? When I first arrived at Augustana, I felt lost navigating a new culture and unfamiliar environment. What helped me through that challenging time was the support I received from OISSS and my Global Mentor. Now, I want to be that same source of support and encouragement for incoming international students.
Cesar Castillo
Position: Global Mentor Lead
Year: Senior
Hometown: Falcon, Venezuela
Majors: Mechanical Engineering
Involvement: Varsity Swimming and Diving Team, Works in the Brew and Mailing Center
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? Winter clothes
What are you most excited about as a Global Mentor? I want to connect more with people with different backgrounds and help them in the process of adaptation in the U.S.
Solyana Kifle
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Senior
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Computer Science
Involvement: Ethiopian Student Union - Treasurer, Former Community Advisor, Student Government Association - International Senator, The Culture Collective
What’s one thing you wish you had left home when you came to Augustana? Most of my clothes since my aesthetic changed every year I was here. Getting rid of the clothes I wasn’t wearing was a struggle.
What advice would you give to a new international student? Be ready to experience new things but remember why you are here.
Nepa Mahat Shahi
Position: Global Mentor Lead
Year: Junior
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Majors: Neuroscience, Political Science
Involvement: Admissions Ambassador, Global Engagement Team - President, Reading/Writing Center Peer Tutor, Research Assistant, The Culture Collective
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? Titaura, a snack from back home
What inspired you to become a Global Mentor? I became a Global Ambassador because I know first-hand how disorienting it can be to move to a new county and culture alone. I am most excited at the possibility of creating real, honest, connections between students and helping make the process less stressful for incoming international students.
Imane Mansouri
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Marrakech, Morocco
Majors: Business Intelligence, Data Analytics
Involvement: Advertising Developers, Business for Humanity scholars program, EDGE Center - Intern & Social Media Team
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? A power adapter. It was such a struggle to charge my devices while I waited for a new one to arrive.
What advice would you give to a new international student? It is okay to feel unsure about what you want to do. I switched my major four times during my first year at Augie, and it was through that journey that I was able to figure out what I truly want to pursue!
Gedi Mognehode
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Computer Science
Involvement: CORE Ambassador, Student Government Association - First Year Senator
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? A framed picture with my friends and family
What helped you feel most at home during your first semester at Augustana? My friends made Augie feel at home. Home isn't a place, people are what makes us feel safe and comfortable.
Hamza Ouboukhlik
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Casablanca, Morocco
Majors: Data Science, Finance
Involvement: Rho Nu Delta Fraternity, Slough Fest Director, Varsity Soccer
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? My Mom
What advice would you give to a new international student? Be open to new experiences, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek support—everyone wants to help you succeed. Join clubs and events to meet people and build connections early on.
Bijaya Rana
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Majors: Data Analytics, Economics
Involvement: Global Engagement Team - Vice President, Innovation Competition Team - Social Chair, Learning Commons - Academic Coach and Peer Tutor, The Culture Collective
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? Sel Roti and Titaura
What are you most excited about as a Global Mentor? I’m most excited about sharing my own experiences, supporting international students, and organizing events that bring our diverse community together.
Lidia Teffera
Position: Global Mentor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Ethiopia
Majors: Accounting, Business Intelligence
Involvement: African Students Association, Ethiopian Student Union, Works at ACES and in the Admissions Office
What’s one thing you wish you had packed when you came to Augustana? I left my leather jacket back home because it weighed too heavy and I didn't also have space for it. But I should've brought it!
What advice would you give to a new international student coming to Augustana? Have fun your first year. It is the most time you're going to have without a lot of responsibilities so make the most of it!