Fall 2024 Live Chat: Mondays 8-9 AM, Wednesdays 8-10 AM, Thursdays 9-10 AM

Venezuela

MS Mathematics

Hola! Bienvenidos a UMKC! My name is Adriana and I am from Caracas, Venezuela! I have been in the States since 2018; I did my Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics undergrad here at UMKC in 2023. Currently, I am pursuing my master's in mathematics. I love the beach, coloring, practicing hot yoga, and reading. Please say hi or hola if you see me around!

Fall 2024 Live Chat: Wednesdays 10-2 PM

India

iPhD Computer Science

Hola… aloha… everyone! My name is Keerti Bajaj. I am from Hyderabad, India (the place where the famous "DUM BIRYANI" comes from). I moved around many places in and out of India to study, explore, experience and spread wings across. I came here to Kansas City, to UMKC, in Fall 2021. I really fell in love with the place, it has great places, people and vibe!
I like exploring new places, food and meeting strangers to making friends. I absolutely love cooking, it’s Zen. If I weren’t doing what I am now, I would be a chef. I love fantasies and theories, and I made so many of them personally! I’m always curious to try everything that’s new to me, learn it and just gain new skills.
I prefer sunrises over sunsets (both are equally beautiful, just what they mean individually to me). I love star gazing, any place with pretty lights (such as downtown), long drives and long walks are some of the things I do to get out of my tiring schedule. If you are reading this, I "REALLY" look forward to meeting you sometime on campus!!

Fall 2024 Live Chat: Mondays 2-5 PM, Tuesdays 4-5 PM

Nigeria

BS Computer Science

Hello everyone! My name is Victor Olatunji, and I'm excited to serve as an International Student Ambassador at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) this year. As a Computer Science student, I have a passion for coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and all things tech related.
While I am Nigerian by nationality courtesy of my parents, my life has been a global adventure. Born in Malawi, I spent my early years in Mozambique before moving to Kenya for schooling. This diverse upbringing has allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures, an experience I'm incredibly grateful for. 

At UMKC, I've actively engaged in various clubs and organizations, fostering lifelong friendships and personal growth beyond academics. When I'm not studying, I enjoy playing, watching, or gaming related to football (soccer), table tennis, reading, exploring new cuisines, traveling, and spending quality time with friends. 

One of the highlights of my UMKC experience has been connecting with people from diverse backgrounds while also building a sense of community with fellow international students. Participating in campus events has been a fantastic way to do this. 

As an International Student Ambassador, I'm eager to share my experiences, inspire others, and provide support to fellow students. I believe UMKC offers fertile ground for everyone to reach their full potential, and I'm excited to be part of that journey with you. 

I look forward to welcoming you to the UMKC community and building connections. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or just to chat. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together!

Fall 2023 Live Chat: Mondays 2-5 PM, Tuesdays 4-5 PM

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

BSC Mathematics and Statistics

Fall 2024 Live Chat: Wednesdays 1:30-4 PM, Fridays 8-9:30 AM

Nepal

MS Accounting, Business Analytics

Namaste, Roos and everyone! I am Prajwal Rasaily from the beautiful land of the Himalayas, Nepal. I am pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting degree with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics at the Henry Bloch School of Management. 

Coming to UMKC has been one of the best decisions of my life. Although I left the comfort of my home in Nepal, UMKC provided me with the support, love, and care that made me feel at home. The community here is incredibly welcoming and always ready to support—you just have to reach out! 

As an international student who has navigated the challenges of adjusting to a new country, I understand what you might be going through. Please feel free to connect with me if you need any assistance or just someone to talk to. You can often find me in Bloch Heritage Hall, where I work as a Graduate Assistant, or around Miller Nichols Library. 

UMKC is not just a place where you gain academic knowledge; you gain a nurturing environment that helps you grow personally and professionally. Don’t just take my word for it—come and experience the supportive and transformative atmosphere of UMKC for yourself.  

A fun fact about me: I love to cook, no matter how tight my schedule is. I always find a way to modify recipes and make dishes presentable and delicious. I look forward to meeting you and sharing the wonderful experiences UMKC has to offer! GO ROOS!

Fall 2024 Live Chat: Fridays 10:30-1 PM, 2-3:30 PM

Iran

iPhD Natural Sciences

I’m a Turkish-Iranian international student ambassador working on an Interdisciplinary doctorate in Natural Sciences, focusing on the connections between, chemistry, physics, and biology. Being multilingual and having a rich cultural background helps me connect easily with people from different cultures.

In addition to my academic interests, I enjoy cooking and am known for making Kufte-Tabrizi (Tabriz meatballs), a famous dish from my homeland. Imagine a meatball with a boiled egg, dried apricot, and walnut inside—it’s amazing and super delicious!

As an international student ambassador, I’m excited to help others feel welcome and supported. I believe that a diverse community makes our campus special, and I’m here to make sure everyone feels included and at home. Whether it’s through conversation, cultural exchange, or just being a friendly face, I’m dedicated to making a positive impact on our community.

I truly look forward to meeting you sometime on campus!

Fall 2024 Live Chat: Mondays 9-1 PM

Pakistan

MBA Business Analytics

Dhaz Dhaz Dhaz! Asalam u Alikum Everyone. Sab Se Phele Toh Apne Ghabrana Nahi Hai! My name is Raza Hussain Khoso. I am from Karachi, Pakistan. Karachi is called the “City of Lights” and the city which never sleeps. I completed my undergraduate degree from Pakistan and ended up getting a Silver Medal & Gold Medal for being the high achiever. Now I have been here at UMKC since 2023, and I really love it. I am pursuing my master’s with the goal of exploring new cultures and being able to experience exciting journey. I am an extrovert and social individual. 🤪

I like traveling, food and making new friends. I love cooking. I am a chef now. That was my first time out of my home country (I haven’t traveled much but would love to do it in future.). My time at UMKC has been filled with some amazing memories. One of the things I absolutely love about UMKC is its rich diversity and inclusive community. A little fun fact about me: I love networking, making connections and helping others no matter what the situation is.

Outside of academics, I'm involved in different organizations that help me improve my interpersonal skills. I am a President at UMKC Data Analytics and AIESEC in UMKC. I love being outdoors and exploring new surroundings, but I also love staying in and watching Netflix, a mix of being with friends, music, board games and trying new foods.

You can see me everywhere on campus like the ASSC, Library, Bloch School, Student Union and especially in the Swinney because I like sports, play badminton and gym enthusiast so if you want to play Badminton, find me there. If you see me anywhere on campus and need help, say Hi! What I want you to know is that I am here for you. If you want to talk about anything, whether you have a million zillion questions about UMKC, or just to have a chill conversation.

As an International Student Ambassador, my goal is to share my UMKC journey, inspire others, and provide support and guidance to fellow students. I believe that every student at UMKC has the potential to thrive and make the most of their time here, just as I have cherished my past year at this exceptional institution.

Let’s begin the show Roos! 🐾

Raza!

Fall 2023 Live Chat:Mondays 10-12 PM, Fridays 10:30-12:30 PM

Somali-American

Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing

Hey guys!

My name is Sumeya Geelle and I'm excited to be on the journey ahead of being your international student ambassador J I was born and raised in Kansas City but however moved to Kenya in 2019, but I’m ethnically Somali. I attended a British International University there for about 3 years and then returned to the States. Yes, I know you’re wondering, I did in fact pick up on the British accent which I really wish I stuck to L  I came to UMKC on an International Business Administration route for my undergrad (which UMKC doesn’t provide) however I later switched to marketing.

Something I really enjoy is skincare, shopping & watching new dramas. I’m also a rising football (soccer) fan. I've been traveling a lot lately, which helps with my major. I am experiencing an uncanny feeling of being Emily in Paris. Everyone's interests are catered to by the wide range of activities and events in Kansas City, which is awesome and fun to discover, in my opinion. I also love meeting new people from different backgrounds. In summary, my position as an international student ambassador is to help close the cultural gap that exists between all of you and the potential cultural shock that some of you might encounter.  Creating a welcoming environment is my top priority & please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on any and everything whether it be a coffee date or questions about how to get over obstacles! 💌

Nonetheless, I’m excited to meet everyone and get to know you all.

Have a great semester & Roo Up!! 🦘