Nine exceptional students from around the globe are already busy welcoming Brock University’s international students to their first week on campus.

These students have been honoured with the International Student Ambassador Award, which recognizes up to 10 international students each year for their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to community engagement both on and off campus.

Ambassadors play a crucial role in easing the transition for international students at Brock by providing guidance, sharing their own experiences and keeping newcomers informed about the many opportunities available on campus.

The newly appointed ambassadors for the 2024-25 academic year include Olajumoke Shobowale from Nigeria, Ray Lin from Taiwan, Thuy Linh Dang from Vietnam, Daniel Oguejiofor from Nigeria, Rachit Kapoor from India, Andri Hudlin from Trinidad and Tobago, and Irene Charley, a citizen of India who was raised in the United Arab Emirates.

Returning Ambassadors Joana Xavier from Brazil and Vince Flores from the United States will continue to support the international student community for the second consecutive year.

Students interested in becoming an International Student Ambassador can apply in early 2025 for the 2025-26 academic year. The application will be posted on the Student Accounts and Financial Aid website when it becomes available. Students can stay up to date on when applications open and close by following Brock International on Instagram.

For more information about Brock’s International Student Ambassador program, visit the Brock International website.

Olajumoke Shobowale, Nigeria 

Fourth-year Public Health student Olajumoke Shobowale says one of the reasons she chose Brock was the support she received during the admissions process. She wants to give that same support to incoming international students by leading initiatives to get them involved and keep them informed on academic support services around campus. She identifies with the BIPOC community and plays an active role in the Black Student Success Centre and in Student Life and Success at Brock.

Ray Lin, Taiwan

Third-year Medical Sciences student Ray Lin urges international students to get out of their comfort zone and be fearless. He chose Brock due to the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available and the tight-knit community that allows students to easily form relationships with faculty and peers. He wants to stand for equity amongst students, bridge the gap between student communities and inspire positivity with those he encounters.

Irene Charley, India and United Arab Emirates

Irene Charley is a third-year Biomedical Sciences student planning on pursuing a career in health care. She chose to study at Brock because of its diverse and welcoming environment. She wants to share her experiences and struggles with other international students to assure them that they are not alone and that they can always seek help. Charley wants incoming international students to ask questions, join clubs, attend events, make friends, and learn and grow with every opportunity.

Thuy Linh Dang, Vietnam

Thuy Linh Dang, a Master of Applied Disability Studies student, has already made an impact as a student representative, teaching assistant and advocate for students with disabilities. She believes that celebrating the international student community and promoting intercultural dialogue is critical to Brock’s culture and is committed to making the University an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment for all.

Daniel Oguejiofor, Nigeria

The inclusive community, beautiful natural surroundings and international student support are the reasons Daniel Oguejiofor chose to pursue his Medical Science degree at Brock. Now heading into his third year, his advice for incoming students is to take advantage of all the opportunities and services the University has to offer. Through events and friendly one-on-one conversations, he wants to help international students have a home away from home.

Rachit Kapoor, India

Rachit Kapoor remembers the support he received from Brock International and his peers when he arrived in Canada, and he wants to pay it forward to new Badgers. Kapoor, a Master of Science in Physics student, identifies with the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ , Asian and Indian communities. He chose Brock for its exceptional Physics program and for the sense of safety and belonging the University provides for immigrants as well as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He recommends incoming students create or join a social circle to feel a sense of belonging while they study abroad.

Andri Hudlin, Trinidad and Tobago

First-year Data Science and Analytics student Andri Hudlin, who identifies as Afro-Caribbean, advises incoming students to learn about other cultures and share their own as well. As a former middle-school international student, Andri knows the challenges foreign students may face and she wants to help her peers find their home away from home at Brock and in Canada.

Joana Xavier, Brazil

Fourth-year Kinesiology student Joana Xavier is a returning ambassador who chose Brock for its lively and welcoming community. After a positive experience with the position last year, she wants to continue supporting and guiding international students. She recommends that incoming students try new things and use all of Brock’s guidance and community involvement resources.

Vince Flores, United State of America

Vince Flores is a third-year Medical Sciences student and a returning ambassador who identifies with the BIPOC, Hispanic, Nicaraguan, Mexican and Latinx communities. His extracurriculars include the Latinx and Hispanic Students’ Association, Brock Model UN, Brock Aviation and other volunteer positions. He believes that creating a support network to get involved and meet new people is key for incoming international students.