Meet the Mentors

The International Peer Mentors are a wonderful group of University of Adelaide students who volunteer their time to help new and continuing international students.

Here's what they have to say about their interests and being part of the International Peer Mentor program.

Adeep

My name is Adeep Srinivasa and I’m doing my bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. I’m originally from Chennai, a humid yet pleasant city located in the southern part of India. It’s been a pleasure to be selected as an IPM for this year and being excited for this journey would be quite an understatement. I enjoy playing cricket (can consider me a cricket nuffy) and additionally love following F1 and Tennis. If you’d ever want to chat about anything from how to sign up for an upcoming event to discussing Marnus Labuschagne’s batting prowess or debate if Roger Federer will make it till Wimbledon 2030, feel free to say hi! Hope you have a great time on campus. Cheers!! 

Aman

G’day! My name is Aman, and I am an international student from Germany pursuing my Master in Data Science. I enjoy playing cricket and do play for the University of Adelaide. If you are interested, hit me up and I can introduce you to our team :)I love to explore new places, cultures and meet people from different backgrounds. It’s amazing how many different cultures there are and all of them amazing in their own unique way. The International Peer Mentor Program is a fantastic way to meet new people, increase your network and build lifetime friends. My aim as an offshore Senior IPM is to support offshore international students who are stuck overseas. Nowadays not only academic excellence is required but also personal development, which is why I strongly recommend engaging in non-academic programs of your own interest.

An

Hello everyone! I’m An /a:n/ from Viet Nam! Easy to pronounce right? I’m in my second year doing Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics, a fun and very interesting new program which I think is very practical and industry-oriented but hasn’t attracted many students yet! If you are interested in Data Science and how to apply it to another field of science, feel free to talk to me! I’m an indoor person so I love listening to music (Any Lana stan here?), reading books (mostly Victorian novels but sometimes documentaries and self-help), watching movies, writing fiction (or just thinking up some plots because I’m lazy) and sleeping lol.  I did my first year entirely online and just arrived at Adelaide so if you want some advice on how to manage your time and learn effectively online, how to deal with homesickness and travelling to a new place alone without knowing anyone, I understand your struggles and am willing to help!

Angela

G’day! My name is Angela Qin, a Chinese International student studying Master of Teaching (Middle & Secondary). On top of teaching, I also have great passion for math and computer science (which are majors of my Bachelor!). Since I did my high school in Adelaide, I am quite familiar with life here and would like to share that knowledge with you. Also, as a future teacher and current International student, I wish to support other International students to enjoy their journey aboard through Peer Mentorship. Adelaide is a beautiful and vibrant city with surprises in every corner, I’m sure you will enjoy your time here, and we will do our best to ensure that!

Angelika

Hi everyone! Welcome to University life. My name is Angelika and I am currently studying the Bachelor of Teaching with the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide. As a domestic student, I hope to inform you of the breathtaking views and adventure Adelaide has to offer. Coming from a Greek family in which the virtue of hospitality was ingrained within me from a young age, I hope to make each International student feel welcome and a valued member of the university community. My passions include language learning, hiking, playing soccer, growing veggies, reading and exploring. I welcome the opportunity to meet you and learn your story. Let me know what I can do for you. See you soon.

Arun

Hello, everyone! My name is Arun, and I'm from India. I was born and raised in New Delhi, India. I am now in my second trimester of MBA Marketing degree. I work as a freelance graphic designer. I enjoy making sketches, caricatures, 3D art, and other forms of art. I just arrived in Adelaide after spending the previous two years abroad. Now that I've lived both offshore and onshore, I can say that I've had a taste of both. I understand the difficulties that international students encounter both online and offline. I'd love to share my experiences with new overseas students and assist them in any way I can to make their transition to move in Adelaide as smooth as possible. Come say hi if you see me and if  you enjoy sketching, we'll have some fun sketching and chilling sessions.

Benazir

Hello! My name is Benazir and I’m from Bengaluru, India. I’m currently studying my Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and want to eventually start my own business. Starting my studies in the middle of a pandemic at an international university was a challenging journey but I am so grateful and happy with my decision! I am a naturally outgoing person and am always looking for ways to make connections despite studying online. Joining the International Peer Mentor program meant making this happen for me even though I am physically unable to meet other students. I’m looking forward to running events that make students feel refreshed and energized about being at uni. My focus as an IPM is to ensure that I am providing some part of a holistic student experience by making others feel included and hopeful, irrespective of the effects of this pandemic!

Birdie

Hey guys! My name is Birdie and I am doing a Bachelor of Science program with majors in Biochemistry and Genetics. I am originally from Germany and came to Adelaide because I fell in love with the city five years ago during an internship at the University. I love being outdoors and spending time in the hills, at the beach or just roaming around the city. Additionally, I enjoy meeting new people from different cultures and cannot wait to meet everyone.

Christina

Hi everyone! Welcome to University. My name is Christina and I am currently studying my final year of Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience. I am from Hong Kong, and I perceive myself as an easy-going person. My passions include playing squash, swimming, singing and exploring. Adelaide is such an energetic and great city that you will soon find the lovely part of it. As an IPM I hope to make students feel involved and welcome about being at university. Please come and say hi to me if you see me around!

Christopher

Hi there! I’m Christopher and I’m a local student completing my Honours in a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Computer Science. I joined the IPM group after experiencing wonderful support from a similar group when I studied overseas in France; now, I want to be the one helping incoming international student settle into life, make friends and have a great study experience here in Adelaide. In my spare time, I enjoy playing classical music on a variety of instruments, geeking out my friends over the latest sci-fi or fantasy series and getting active on the footy field, dance floor or just in the gardens and hills around the city. I look forward to meeting many of you at upcoming ISS events and wish you an amazing time here in Adelaide!

Dileepa

Hellooow...! I am Dileepa from Sri Lanka and am a student reading for Master of Data Science. I worked as a software engineer upon completing the bachelor's degree and am now in the middle of transitioning my pathway into data science and research, so that I can help businesses to solve complex problems. Outside of uni, I am a social person as I find the company of friends is a great relief from stressful academic work. While studying, I had been looking for a way to have continuous engagement with others and that is when I found the International Peer Mentor program. I love the part where I get to share my experience with commencing students in providing tips and tricks for their academic journey. Furthermore, this program has enabled me to meet a bunch of friends and to have a relaxed fun time filled with chit chats and games.

Divya

Hi! My name is Divya and I am currently in Malaysia studying a Bachelor of Accounting and Corporate Finance as an offshore student. Even online, the University has given me so many opportunities to be a part of the community. I have been surrounded by staff and students that are friendly, culturally diverse and helpful. At every corner I turn, I know there is always someone to support me and help me with any problem I face! This truly shows me what a supportive, caring and helpful community is like and is all anyone needs with the stress of studying online. I wanted to become an International Peer Mentor to make a difference. The sense of reward and gratitude you get when someone appreciates what you have done is the best feeling ever. Being a Peer Mentor, you are connected with like-minded people who are all so friendly and supportive and you get to plan and run events which is something I enjoy.

Ellyn

Hi there!! I’m Ellyn from Malaysia, Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science student. I’ve always had interest in exploring the impact of food and nutrition on the human body. The International Peer Mentor program has been a great opportunity to learn, cooperate and connect with friends around the world! Running events as a team have been really challenging and fulfilling experiences. That’s why, I always cherish chances of making differences in many ways ;)

Eshini

Hello amazing people!! I’m Eshini from Sri Lanka. Currently in my third year of Bachelors in Food and Nutrition Science. Quite the long run!!! But guess what I enjoyed every moment studying here at the University. There is one thing I’ve constantly been telling myself after arriving in  Adelaide 2 years ago with my sister being apart from our family, “EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE!! TRUST IN YOURSELF AND NOTHING WILL GO WRONG!!” and this has kept me going for all these years and I bet you will believe in this as well. Find yourself friends that you can call family ( I did ) and you will just enjoy and share every special moment with them! Adelaide will be a wonderful stay when you enjoy every moment it offers you. So whenever you see me around please feel free to say Hi  :) I would love to talk to you!!! With the start of a new year at Uni, everyone, fasten the seatbelt and enjoy this rollercoaster!! All the best! 

Hanxi

Hey guys!  I’m Hanxi, from Northeast China, and I’ve been living in Australia for three years, currently just started my second year of Master of Computer Science. As I’ve left university for quite a few years, it is very attractive for me to experience something I’ve never done before, such as volunteering, events and community activities. I would like to listen to others’ experiences, share my own with them and help them as I could do. I felt so honored and lucky to join the IPM team and hope I could do my best to help you guys start the journey of being a member of the university, communities and the city. Let’s go! 

Jannath

Hi! My name is Jannath. I am currently doing my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, and will soon start my second year. When not studying or volunteering around campus, I am generally painting, reading by River Torrens, cooking at home or am on call with my friends and family. I fell in love with Adelaide the moment my flight landed, which I am sure is the same with many students moving here. It only grew with time when I discovered all the hidden gems this city has to offer. I joined the Peer Mentor team to share my experiences, relate to your stories as an international student, and help you the best I can. No question is a silly question, and I would love to answer them for you, so feel free to ask for any help, or say hi if you see me around!

Jean

Hii lovely people! My name is Jean and I come from the beautiful Solomon Islands (kudos to you if you know where this is) and I’m Currently in my Final year of Bachelor of Laws.

Apart from studying I loovee photography and… of course food! So feel free to come and say hi when you see me around the campus and tell me about your favorite insta worthy places in Adelaide or your favourite place to eat! Trust me I talk a lot in person. See Yous around in Campus☺

Jia En

G’day! I am Jia En Sit from Malaysia, you can call me Jia En or Jia. I am currently an undergraduate in Food and Nutrition Science who has a strong passion for improving human health, helping those in need, and empowering others. I enjoy being kind and lovely and helping students out, especially assisting international students in adapting to the new environment or directing them to the appropriate support services should circumstances arise. In my spare time, I love to explore nature and appreciate the little beauty you can find along the walk! On top of that, painting, listening to music, and dancing are some of my favourite things to do to relax. If you see me on campus or online, feel free to say Hi! I wish you all the best in your studies and life and always believe in yourself (my motto)!

Josh

Hi everyone! My name is Joshua Niles and I am a 3rd year student studying for a Bachelor of Psychology honours advanced. I am from Sri Lanka. I love playing football, reading books, watching tv shows and spending time with my friends. I also enjoy connecting with people from diverse cultures and hearing about their experiences (and trying out their food Haha!). As an IPM I am really looking forward to connecting with and supporting the international student community. Do not hesitate to come by and say hi, if you see me around campus. Let me know how I can best support you! I would love to grab a coffee with you.

Kanishka

Heya! I am Kanishka Chaudhary from India. I am studying in my final year of Bachelor of Nursing. My idea of living life is to live, love and laugh while continuing to work towards your goals. I am very excited soul in general (you will find your bubbly and talkative friend in me) unless I have an assignment due on the day. I have been living in Adelaide for the last two years. Luckily, I arrived right before COVID-19 did. My favorite part about living in Adelaide is this city is called city of festivals which is so trueeeeee ! You get to celebrate festivals from all corners of the world. While talking about festivals I can assume you can feel where I am coming from, obviously I am talking about good food, music and lots and lots of fun. And this is all I love. My habitat on campus is the beautiful AHMS building which is on the west end of North Terrace. You can find me there almost every day of the week, please drop by and say Hello : ) or ask anything you are struggling with. Always there to help.  Best wishes with your uni life.

Khuong

Hello hello~~ Call me “K” if you feel like your jaws/tongue is going to go funny trying to say “Khuong”. I was born and raised in a beautiful city named Da Nang, central Vietnam. I did my high school in Toronto, Canada, and now in my last year of Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science here in Adelaide. With that background, I can confidently say that I have had some unique experiences to share with you about living abroad or how to adopt a new language faster. The things you are going to pass through, it is likely that I have been there. So, please do not hesitate to approach me and ask me anything you want if you see me walking down the hallway or filling up my water bottle in the kitchen area. I may not be able to help you answer your queries or give you the advice you need, but I will be a great listener. I promise. All the best with uni and enjoy all that Adelaide has to offer. See you around~

First-year survival tips:

  • Make sure you have a cool head and a warm heart.
  • Keep smiling. Keep swimming. Life is great. You are at the exact place where you are supposed to be. It is going to be just fine! 😇

Kim

Hi everyone, I’m Kim from Vietnam. Having been in Adelaide for quite a while, I would love to share my experience with you guys and (hopefully) can help you if you need. I love walking around the city and going hiking during my free time. It might be overwhelming to move to a new country but I and other IPMs are here to help. Good luck and enjoy your time here in Adelaide.

Leann

Hey! I’m Leann from Hong Kong, currently a final year Environmental Engineering student. I am passionate about engaging peers and connecting with people with different backgrounds, and excited to be a part of the International Peer Mentor family. Here we will be developing ourselves and making friends along the journey. I am a totally sporty person, I play tennis, go swimming, jogging and do lots of other sports! I am quite active in different campus programs, such as ECMS organisations and AUU volunteering programs. Surely come have a chat with me if you are planning or interested in expanding your networks on campus! Uni is challenging but you are going to love it! And we are here to help so feel free to say hi if you see us around campus!

Leo

Hello everyone, I’m Leo and a second-year chemical Engineering student. I’m from Vietnam. I have been in Adelaide since 2019 and I love it so much. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions when you guys see us.

During my free time, I love hanging out with friends and talking to different people, especially people have different culture. Therefore, becoming an International Peer Mentor (IPM) is such a wonderful opportunity to learn more about different countries and create a beautiful International student community in campus. See you guys around in campus 😊

Minh

Hi guys, my name is Minh, I come from Vietnam. I am doing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering majoring in Aerospace. I enjoy playing sports and outdoor activities like hiking, which I think is a great way to relieve the stress from studying at uni. So if you have any questions regarding this or whatever, come say hi!

Nathan

G’day everyone! I’m Nathan and I’m locally born & raised from the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. I’m currently in my last year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical). When I’m not studying, I enjoy many hobbies including sailing, reading, hiking, volunteering, getting outdoors and being social! As an IPM, I am looking forward to getting to know and supporting international students along their learning journeys, whether it is their first or final year of study. I’m around campus most days so if you see me or have any questions, please drop by and say hello 😊 In the meantime, good luck with your studies & I look forward to seeing you at ISS events!

Nikhil

Hi, my name is Nikhil from India and currently studying Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing. I am one of the senior IPM for the year 2022. I have gone through both phases of studying ie online and as well as offline(currently), so I am your go to person if you need any help or suggestion for how to manage/deal with things. After arriving in Adelaide and taking responsibility face to face has been a new and wonderful experience for me. It has helped me overcome my shy nature, meet new people, make friends and most importantly that real connection with students and staff members. I am really looking forward to meeting you all. If you see me in campus “don’t feel shy, just come say hi” ... Haha I hope this line rhymes.

Ragib

G’day, all! I am Ragib (the ‘g’ pronounced as in “Game”) from Dhaka, Bangladesh, currently studying in the 3rd year of Bachelor of Science (Space Science & Astrophysics). Moving to a foreign country is never easy, but it is also the start of an exciting journey! I have had a fascinating time in Adelaide over the last 2 years and I look forward to directing the new international students to experience the same. In my free time (which is getting rarer each week!), I read & watch thrillers, follow sports (mostly cricket) and walk around Adelaide. As a man who is deeply attached to his own cultural & historical heritage, I am intrigued to know about yours. So yeah, if you see me on campus (lost in this maze which is my brain!), do come over and say, “Hello!”.

Sadia

Helloo! I’m Sadia and I’m a 2nd year Bachelor of Biomedical Science student. I enjoy taking walks (walks on the beach are my favourite!), visiting new places and trying out different cuisines. When I’m home and have some free time, I love watching movies (guilty of watching too many psychological thrillers and rom coms) or reading. As an international student, I know how daunting it can be to adjust to university life. This is the time when the real adulting begins and as IPM, I will try my best to help you transition into university life as smoothly as possible. The IPMs really helped me in my first year and the events they organised were amazing and loads of fun. Don’t hesitate to come say hi if you see me! I’m always up for a chat and will try my best to help you in any way I can. Very excited to meet y’all!

Sana

Heyy everyone, I am Sana Vohra and I’m an international student from India, currently in the final year of Bachelors of Psychological Science. I am a very outgoing and social person who loves to meet new people and learn about their culture. I am also really good at striking up conversations with people I don’t know (talkative much?) In my free time, I like going out, especially to the beach, listening to music and painting. To become an IPM meant that I could try and make your journey in Adelaide a little bit smoother, better and happier. I understand how tough it can be when you’re so far away from home, so if there’s anything I could help you with, feel free to get in touch! Welcome to those who’ve recently joined uni and welcome back to those who couldn’t come onshore for the last 2 years! It’s so good to see so many of you back on campus!

Sarah

Hi, my name’s Sarah and I’m a Bachelor of Computer Science student from Mumbai in India! I’m so excited to be an International Peer Mentor and am so glad I got to be a part of this wonderful team. Everyone is so kind, it is truly a family! I love playing online games, but also I definitely want to do something that will make a difference in the community. It is so fun to get to know people at a University with people from so many cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities! Everyone I have met has a different story and that is just what excites me about being an International Peer Mentor.

Shreya

Hi everyone! I am Shreya from India, and I am pursuing Bachelor of Science (Advanced), majoring in Bioinformatics. I completed my first year online and recently moved to Adelaide. I love reading, travelling, exploring and watching movies.  

I understand the struggles of online studies and offline studies. So, if you want to talk to someone regarding homesickness or how to manage your time efficiently or just want to talk, don’t hesitate!

Sojung

Hi! everyone~ My name is Sojung and I’m from Korea. I tend to be compassionate and would like to help you guys as an International Peer Mentor. I’m very interested in diverse cultures and countries and like to be open-minded to different insights. The degree I’m currently in is Veterinary Bioscience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need any help at university. Adelaide also has very beautiful nature to offer. I hope you can navigate the beautiful nature as well :))

Tom

Hey everyone! I’m Tom, a domestic student at the University of Adelaide. Currently, I am undertaking a Bachelor of International Relations. I became an International Peer Mentor due to my interest in other cultures and because I was looking for a way to contribute to our university’s environment. If I am not studying or working, I enjoy sports/going to the gym, playing video games and reading. I grew up living here in Adelaide, so if there are any questions you have about things to do or places to see then let me know! I wish you all the best with your studies and hope you enjoy your time studying in Australia 😊

Vaiyshu

Hi, my name is Vaiyshu! I have always had a soft spot for animals so I am studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience. I’ve had the opportunity to study both onshore, and now offshore from my home in Singapore. My time at the University so far has been absolutely amazing! The Adelaide Uni community is like a huge family. The best thing is the clubs and societies is that you can join, even if you have no prior experience! The senior members are welcoming to people from any background. I joined the International Peer Mentor program to help other students make the transition from college life to university life. Being able to meet and connect with students from all over the world is absolutely lovely! I like knowing that I will make a small impact in my fellow university student’s lives.

Xuan

Hello everyone! My name is Xuan. I come from Wuhan, China. I am a third-year student studying Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science. I love hiking and baking in my spare time. There are so many scenic places around Adelaide. If you love being outdoors, it will be a good choice to go to a conservation park at the weekend and enjoy the beauty of nature! I look forward to seeing you all around the campus throughout the year.

Ying

Hello there! I am Ying from China, I have lived in Adelaide for more than 2 years. I’m in my final year of Master of Computing and Innovation program. I love reading, hiking and watching crime series in my free time. It is challenging to study in a foreign country, language, culture, curriculum, probably everything is different from what you are familiar with. Hence, never afraid to reach out! We are here to help you : )

As an IPM, I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus, don’t hesitate to come by and say hi if you see me around, I’m interested in your culture and story.  I would love to answer if you have any questions as well!

Yvonne

Hi! My name is Yvonne from Indonesia. I am currently studying my second year of Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. I studied online for 1.5 years and I try to look at things from a positive aspect. Studying online actually gave me a lot of time, flexibility and opportunities which may not have existed in the first place! I joined the International Peer Mentor Program as I want to give back to the student community. My past international peer support mentor helped me adjust to university life, offering tips on how to do well and which courses were the most helpful. I hope to be like my mentor and that other students will have a memorable experience too.

Zandra

Hello everyone, this is Zandra from Hong Kong. I am currently in the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) program. Since I was little, my dream is to become a veterinarian because I realized that there is a very special relationship between humans and animals, for example, livestock for food production and pets for companionship. My enthusiasm for animals grew bigger as I learnt more about them and am hoping to specialize in small animal surgery.

During my free time, I like to play badminton and piano. I am quite outgoing and love talking to people from different cultural backgrounds. I love the diversity and found that being an international peer mentor would be such an amazing opportunity. I would like to make new students feel welcomed, inclusive and get the best out of their university life.

Ziting

Hello! My name is Ziting, from Beijing, China. This is my second year of Master of Applied Finance. I’d like to help you settle into life in Adelaide and the University of Adelaide by sharing my experiences and changelings because as an international student, I know how difficult staring a new life in a new country. Anyways, don’t be afraid, just focus on gratitude, perspective, and the joy this studying abroad brings you, and we all know everything is going to be so much better! Although Adelaide is a small city, it has beautiful beach and hills. In my spare time, I love to get a seaside run in the morning, which is good opportunity I can find the scenery meditative. Nice to meet you :)

QA - PUB