For international students, the start of a new academic year means more than finding their way at a new school. It means adjusting to a different culture, building a community and sometimes navigating language barriers.

Helping to smooth that transition students at Brock University are a team of eight 2026-27 International Student Ambassadors. Recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to community engagement both on and off campus, the ambassadors work to build an inviting and supportive atmosphere for international students on campus.

It’s something they’re uniquely qualified for, being international students themselves.

“They play an integral role in helping other students feel at home at Brock,” says Carolyn Villella, International Student Life Specialist. “The program is built on peer support, and it empowers students to guide and uplift one another.”

Moving to Canada from Germany, Nils Gesmann enjoyed his undergraduate years at Brock so much that he decided to stay and complete a master’s degree.

As an ambassador, he will draw on his own experiences as both an international student and a student-athlete who played on the Brock men’s basketball varsity team to help new students feel welcome and supported on campus.

“Moving to a new country is a massive transition, and I want to help incoming international students navigate their way into a new country and help them transition smoothly into their new life here at Brock,” he says.

Being involved in a varsity sport provided him with so many memorable experiences, Gesmann says, and his advice for new students is to step out of their comfort zone and get involved in campus life early.

“Whether that means attending Badgers games, joining a student club or simply starting up a conversation with your classmates, building a community early is the best way to make Brock feel like your second home,” he says.

Joining Gesmann as a new ambassador are Christian Kobe Capa, a third-year Accounting student from the Philippines; Yin Samounty, a third-year Political Science student from Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Mir Ahmed Khan, a third-year Business Administration student from United Arab Emirates; Rishi Yogesh Mandalia, a third-year Data Science and Analytics student from India; and Celine Le, a first-year Accounting student from Vietnam.

Returning ambassadors Jay Shah, a fourth-year Computer Science student from India, and Nethra Balaji, a second-year Medical Sciences student from Dubai, will round out the team.

Ambassadors dedicate 80 hours to the role throughout the Fall and Winter Terms. In return, they receive assistance towards the cost of studying in Canada. Their duties include welcoming new students, assisting with campus events, and helping to highlight cultural traditions from around the world.